A legal dispute is emerging over the status and use of Jabi Lake Park, as Masalaha Law & Associates has issued a formal pre-action notice to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Nyesom Wike, over alleged lack of transparency and concerns about ongoing developments within the park.
In a letter dated April 13, 2026, signed by A.S.U. Garba and obtained by our correspondent on Friday, the firm, acting on behalf of IESP Initiative and Concerned Residents and Users of the park, alleged that relevant authorities failed to disclose critical public records while permitting developments without proper legal authorisation.
Jabi Lake Park, identified as a designated public recreational space within the Federal Capital Territory, is reportedly undergoing construction and what the petitioners described as possible privatisation activities.
Highlighting their clients’ position, the solicitors stated, “Jabi Lake Park is a designated public recreational space within the Federal Capital Territory.
“Recent developments indicate ongoing construction and/or privatisation activities within the Park.
“There is no publicly available disclosure of the legal basis, approved layout alterations, or any concession/PPP arrangement authorising such development.”
The pre-action notice followed an earlier Freedom of Information request submitted to the Department of Urban and Regional Planning under the Federal Capital Development Authority, in which the group sought access to key planning and administrative documents relating to the park.
In that request, the solicitors noted, “Our clients have observed recent developments and structural activities within Jabi Lake Park, which has historically functioned as a public recreational facility accessible to residents and visitors alike.”
They added that “there is growing public concern regarding the apparent involvement of a private developer and the potential alteration of the Park’s original planning purpose.”
The FOI application requested a Certified True Copy of the park’s original master plan, including land use designations and public access areas, as well as details of any public-private partnership arrangements, including “the identity of the private entity involved” and “the scope, duration, and conditions of the agreement.”
It also sought access to Environmental Impact Assessments, planning approvals, and evidence of compliance with urban planning and safety regulations tied to ongoing or proposed developments.
According to the lawyers, the authorities did not respond within the timeframe stipulated under the Freedom of Information Act. Citing the law, they stated, “Under the FOI Act, public institutions are under a mandatory duty to disclose requested information within 7 days.
“Public land held for recreation cannot be arbitrarily converted to private use, and compliance with planning laws. use without due process,
“Failure to disclose such records constitutes: A breach of statutory duty; An act capable of judicial review; A violation of public trust doctrine principles”
The notice outlined grounds for intended legal action, including alleged denial of access to public records, lack of transparency in the management of public assets, and concerns about the possible unlawful conversion of public land.
It further warned of legal action if compliance is not achieved, stating, “TAKE NOTICE that if you fail to comply within 7 days, our Clients shall institute an action seeking:
“An Order of Mandamus compelling disclosure of all requested documents, a Declaration that any undisclosed concession privatisation is unlawful, or
“An Order setting aside any allocation, concession, or development inconsistent with the original Master Plan
“An Injunction restraining further construction pending compliance; Any other orders the Court may deem fit in the circumstances”
The firm added, “Failure to act accordingly will leave our Clients with no option but to proceed to Court without further notice.”
Copies of the notice were also sent to relevant stakeholders, including the FCDA, the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, and Ireti Kingibe.
In response, media aide to the FCT Minister, Olayinka Lere, told our correspondent that the development plan for Jabi Lake Waterfront had already been made public following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on February 13, 2026, between the FCTA and private firms Suburban Broadband and Akida Hills Limited.
Lere stated that the agreement was transparent and involved the transformation of the waterfront into a luxury tourism destination.
He added that the FCTA has the statutory authority to redesignate land use within the territory, insisting that all approvals and Certificates of Occupancy relating to the project had been duly issued and are in the public domain.
“On February 13, 2026, when the Federal Capital Territory Administration signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Suburban Broadband and Akida Hills Limited to transform the Jabi Lake Waterfront into a world-class luxury destination, it was made public.
“Let me also state that it is the right and duty of the FCDA to designate and redesignate lands for any purpose in the FCT. Land Use Purpose is subject to change.
“In the case of Jabi Lake, the government has carried out its duty of ensuring judicious use of part of the land and the new purpose has been made public, with MOU signed and Certificates of Occupancy openly issued to the entities concerned,” the media aide explained.
He further described the group behind the legal notice as unknown to the administration, and maintained that the ongoing redevelopment of Jabi Lake was part of broader plans to reposition Abuja as a global tourism destination
Lere said, “This IESP Initiative and Concerned Residents/Users of Jabi Lake Park is unknown to the FCTA, and as such, cannot have any dealings with an unknown entity.
“Let me also state again that in the FCT under Nyesom Wike, it is no longer business as usual for those hoarding and speculating on government land.
“Therefore, we expect that in the next few months, Jabi Lake will be comparable to Times Square in New York and the Dubai Fountain Water Show and would turn Abuja into a destination city.”
