Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Muhammad Bello has warned against erecting structures within the territory without the necessary approvals from government agencies.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Chief Press Secretary to the Minister, Anthony Ogunleye, said Bello issued the warning while meeting with members of the Governing Council of the University of Abuja, led by its Chairman and Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Ahmed Modibbo.
All buildings, according to the minister, must fit into the overall structure of the Abuja Master Plan.
Bello stated that the FCT was a legal creation, and as such, no building should be erected within the territory without the supervision and approval of FCT Administration officials (FCTA).
The minister, who emphasized that public buildings around the world were subject to oversight, advised university officials to always follow guidelines when developing the institution’s infrastructure.
“Typically, when land is allocated, no matter how vast, its development has to fit into the overall master plan and everything has to be placed in the right location,” he explained.
Bello also stated that the university should have its own comprehensive Master Plan that fits into the Abuja Master Plan, in which the university authorities would collaborate seamlessly with the FCTA in the institution’s development.
Concerning the recent kidnapping of some of the institution’s staff members by armed men, the minister praised the university authorities, particularly the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abdul Rasheed Na’Allah, for their efforts to combat crime.
He stated that the kidnapping attempt was a well-planned attack aimed at the city of Abuja, and that the criminals intended to gain as much publicity as possible due to the strategic nature of the city.
Bello stated that the FCTA would continue to support the university, especially since FCTA employees have used their proximity to improve themselves academically and professionally.
He also assured the university delegation that issues raised, such as encroachment on university property and other concerns, would be addressed adequately.
He stated that the university, more than any other public sector institution, had played a significant role in the territory’s development.
“For example, Gwagwalada, the largest satellite town in the FCT, would not be what it is today without the presence of the university,” he explained.
Modibbo had previously praised the minister for his work in the administration of the nation’s capital.
He thanked the minister for the FCTA’s ongoing support of the university over the years.