Rights Groups Protest at Jabi Lake Over Worker Displacement

On Tuesday, rights groups staged a peaceful protest at Jabi Lake Recreational Park in Abuja, urging the Federal Capital Territory Administration to protect the livelihoods of workers affected by ongoing redevelopment efforts. The protest was not against the redevelopment itself but called for a transparent process that includes stakeholder consultation and adequate compensation for displaced traders and small business owners.

The protest followed a memorandum of understanding signed by FCTA Minister Nyesom Wike in February 2026 with Akida Hill Ltd for the park's redevelopment as part of an urban renewal program. The Coalition of Rights Groups expressed concerns over the lack of public consultation and transparency in the concession process, emphasizing the need for a public memorandum of understanding to be disclosed.

They demanded the immediate suspension of demolition and construction activities until proper consultations are held. The park, commissioned in 2007, serves as a vital recreational space for residents and tourists.