By Gloria Ikibah
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has convened an emergency stakeholders’ meeting to address a four-month dispute over a development project in Kuje, following allegations that a senior official demanded a N100 million bribe to facilitate approval.
The meeting follows claims made by the developer, Jacob & Co Hospitality, which alleged that the Deputy Director of South Development, Kalu Madubuike, demanded the payment in connection with the project. 
In a statement issued on behalf of the company’s Director Kunle Diamond-Illori said the emergency session will bring together representatives of the developer, officials of the FCTA and other stakeholders in an effort to resolve the impasse.
According to the statement, Madubuike had admitted during an earlier meeting that he was acting on behalf of third-party interests.
“During a preliminary meeting, Kalu Madubuike admitted that he had been acting on behalf of third-party interests who asked him to represent their position before the FCTA,” the statement alleged.
The company described the emergency meeting as an important opportunity to restore confidence in the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
“The meeting represents a major test of the government’s commitment to transparency and improving the ease of doing business. We hope it will mark a turning point in tackling corruption in Nigeria’s development sector,” the statement said.
The dispute centres on a development project in Kuje, Abuja, which the company said has been delayed for four months.
As of the time of filing this report, the allegations against Madubuike had not been independently verified, while the Federal Capital Territory Administration had not issued an official response to the bribery claims.
Efforts to obtain comments from the FCTA and the official named in the allegations were unsuccessful before publication. The report will be updated should either party respond.
