The Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA has approved the conversion of a large plot of land in Wuye District, Abuja, originally set aside for a district hospital.
The land is now being developed into a private residential estate.
The decision has triggered concerns from residents, urban planners, and civil society groups.
Hospital Land Reclassified for Housing
The affected site is Plot 546 in Cadastral Zone B03.
It covers about 3.171 hectares and was reserved under the Abuja Master Plan for a public hospital.
However, authorities approved a change in land use to residential development.
The developer, Full Moon Estate Developers Ltd, has already begun construction on the site.
Construction Already Underway
A project signboard at the location confirms ministerial approval dated March 5, 2026.
It also shows that a statutory right of occupancy was issued by FCTA agencies.
Workers have fenced the land, and construction materials are already on site.
The area sits close to the Wuye Ultra-Modern Market and a police station.
Residents Express Disappointment
Residents of Wuye say they expected a hospital on the land.
Ahmed Usman said the community believed construction of a hospital had already started.
He said residents later discovered a private estate was being built instead.
Many locals say the area still lacks a district hospital.
They argue that the decision ignores urgent healthcare needs.
Experts Warn of Planning Violation
Urban planners and civil society groups have raised serious concerns.
They say the change contradicts the Abuja Master Plan, which protects land for public facilities.
Umar Shuaibu described the decision as a major planning breach.
He warned that removing a district hospital reduces access to healthcare for large populations.
He also said it could delay emergency medical response in the area.
CISLAC Condemns Decision
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre also criticised the approval.
It described the decision as “land corruption” and a breach of due process.
The group called for accountability and a full review of the process.
FCTA Defends Approval
The FCTA Development Control Department defended its actions.
Officials confirmed that the land was originally meant for a health centre.
However, they said they received official documents changing the land use to residential.
They also said the documents included ministerial approval.
Based on that, they said they approved construction.
Construction Later Suspended
After public criticism, the Development Control Department stopped work on the site.
It also requested verification of the land-use change.
The Urban and Regional Planning Department has not yet given a public explanation.
This has raised further questions about how the approval was processed.
Calls for Investigation and Review
Residents and experts are now demanding a full review of the decision.
They want clarity on how public land was converted into private housing.
They also want assurance that future land allocations follow the master plan.
Growing Debate Over Abuja Land Use
The case has sparked wider concerns about land administration in Abuja.
Officials insist procedures were followed.
However, critics argue that public infrastructure needs were ignored.
The issue highlights ongoing tension between urban development and public service planning in the capital city.
