Investors in Abuja’s popular Trinity Gardens are raising an alarm, alleging that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has treated them unfairly and demolished their property without proper justification. This move, they claim, has not only destroyed their legitimate investments but also snatched away their source of livelihood. The investors are now calling on Nigerians and the government to step in and ensure justice is served.
- Investors in Trinity Gardens, Abuja, claim FCTA unfairly demolished their property.
- They assert they followed all legal regulations and paid their dues.
- The land was initially a green area, developed and maintained by private funding.
- Investors accuse FCTA of reallocating their land to a newly formed company while they were seeking regularisation.
- The demolition has led to job losses for dozens of graduates.
FCTA Faces Backlash Over Trinity Gardens Demolition
A storm is brewing in Abuja as a group of investors behind the picturesque Trinity Gardens is sounding the alarm over what they describe as a blatant act of unfair treatment and unlawful demolition by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). These investors are not just crying foul; they are demanding justice and an explanation for the destruction of their hard-earned investments.
“They Have Taken Our Livelihood!”
Mrs. Jennifer Umeh, one of the co-investors, spoke with passion and frustration to journalists, expressing the group’s deep distress. “Our purpose here today is to appeal to the conscience of Nigerians and highlight what appears to be a deliberate attempt to dispossess us of our legitimate investment,” she stated, her voice heavy with emotion. “They have taken our source of livelihood.”
According to Umeh, Trinity Gardens was not some haphazard development. It was an area designated for preserving greenery and maintaining Abuja’s unique ecosystem. The entire project, from its inception, was funded entirely by private effort and personal finances. They had secured a lease agreement back in 2007 from the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) and had been diligently working on the land ever since.
From Erosion Site to Green Oasis
The investors recounted how they transformed the land from an eroded, neglected area into a vibrant green space. “We rehabilitated the land when it was being eroded, filled it with sand, and planted every tree with our bare hands,” Mrs. Umeh explained. Their commitment went beyond beautification; they ensured all statutory dues and levies imposed by the AMMC were paid promptly. “This year alone, we paid ₦1,040,000 as demanded by the authorities,” she revealed, underscoring their compliance.
A Case of Reallocation and Rush?
Adding insult to injury, Mrs. Umeh alleged that while the investors were actively engaged in the process of reviewing and regularising their green area allocations, as per a recent directive from the FCT Minister, their land was suddenly reallocated. “We were in the process of submitting our documentation for vetting when our land was reallocated to a newly incorporated company,” she said.
This new entity, identified as Abuja City Works Limited, was reportedly incorporated on June 18, 2025, with Maglinx International Limited as its sole shareholder. Astonishingly, by July, a Right of Occupancy (R of O) was issued over the exact land that the Trinity Gardens investors had meticulously developed and occupied for over 14 years. The plot, initially spanning 7,000 square meters, had seen the investors cultivate about 2,000 square meters into a lush green area.
Master Plan Disregard?
The investors are particularly concerned about the change in land use. “It remains a green area, yet they have converted it to ‘mixed use,’ meaning it can now be used for anything. This is against Abuja’s master plan,” Umeh lamented. Such a change, they fear, could pave the way for developments that undermine the city’s carefully planned environmental character.
Devastating Impact on Livelihoods
The demolition wasn’t just about concrete and trees; it represented a significant blow to the employment landscape around Trinity Gardens. Mrs. Umeh disclosed that prior to the demolition, 68 graduates were directly employed at the site, with numerous other individuals benefiting from indirect employment. The demolition has effectively left these individuals jobless.
“We Have Not Flouted Any Rule!”
Echoing Mrs. Umeh’s sentiments, another investor and group leader, Mrs. Progress Okuk, firmly stated that the investors had adhered to all laws and regulations. “We have not flouted any rule whatsoever,” she insisted. “This place was an environmental beauty before now—every tree and flower here was planted by us. Even diplomats used this space as a peaceful retreat.”
Mrs. Okuk further explained that they had paid their ground rent in April and were in the process of applying for reallocation in June when they discovered the property had already been awarded to the newly formed company. “We have invested heavily here, and we are simply asking for justice,” she appealed.
A Plea for Presidential Intervention
The investors have now extended their plea to the highest levels of government, appealing directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of the FCT, and other relevant authorities. They are urging for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding both the demolition and the subsequent reallocation of their property.
“We are law-abiding Nigerians trying to make an honest living,” Mrs. Okuk concluded. “What happened to us is unjust. We hope the government will intervene to restore our rights and our means of survival.” The situation at Trinity Gardens highlights a growing concern among private developers and investors regarding land rights and regulatory processes within the FCT.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of clear communication and due process in urban development and land management. For the investors of Trinity Gardens, the hope remains that justice will prevail and their contributions to Abuja’s green landscape will be recognized and protected.
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