FCTA To Demolish 500 Unapproved Residential Buildings In Abuja

• FCTA plans to demolish 500+ illegal structures in Dutsen-Garki due to unauthorized land acquisitions, prioritizing proper approvals
• Officials will mark structures for two weeks before demolition; illegalities harming the environment won’t be tolerated, says AEPB

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced the completion of plans to demolish over 500 illegal structures at Dutsen-Garki in the FCT’s Apo District.

Mukhtar Galadima, the Director of the Department of Development Control in FCTA, stated after a dialogue meeting with Dutsen-Garki natives on Wednesday that most individuals acquired lands from the natives without approval from the FCT Administration, which he described as an unacceptable practice.

Galadima, speaking through the deputy director of Monitoring and Enforcement, Hassan Ogbole, stated that the Administration would not spare any land or structure without prior approval from the appropriate authorities.

The city is grappling with individuals acquiring lands from natives without FCT Administration approval. It is unacceptable to the government, and this must not continue.

We have instances of recent removals that have been carried out in some areas which are still in progress, there are many other illegal settlements in Dutsen-Garki which we just held a meeting about. We have a pending removal there to carry out because people will come and buy from the natives and deny the original allottees from taking over possession.

In line with the FCTA reform agenda, before we embark on any removal, we have to consult with the natives so that we don’t take them unawares, he said.

Galadima stated that the department’s officials will mark the illegal structures for two weeks before beginning the full demolition process.

Kaka Bello, the deputy director of Monitoring and Enforcement at the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), said the illegalities were harming the environment and would not be tolerated.

Apart from illegal expansion, people also build on waterways, and this is not good for the environment. The illegalities, if not tackled, will bring about flood and erosion, he stated.

The Dutsen-Garki community representative at the meeting, Danjuma Fanus, appealed to the FCT Administration to give them more time to put things in better shape.

We appeal to the FCT Administration to give us more time. We just lost our Chief. We will get back to the officials of the Administration before the expiration of the deadline, Fanus stated.