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By Lizzy Chirkpi
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has issued a directive for the demolition of 24 illegally constructed two-storey buildings situated on a waterway in the Guzape District of Abuja.
The order came after an inspection by the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC).
AMMC Coordinator, Felix Obuah, stated that Cityscape Estate developed the buildings on Plot 4851 without obtaining the requisite planning approvals. Obuah strongly condemned the unauthorized construction as a clear violation of the Abuja Master Plan, emphasizing that the structures would be removed to serve as a deterrent against future illegal developments.
He confirmed that demolition equipment had been mobilized and warned that any further unauthorized construction, particularly those obstructing waterways or road corridors, would face similar consequences.
Obuah also stated that AMMC officials found to be complicit in the illegal approvals or through negligence would face disciplinary measures. He reiterated FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s unwavering commitment to restoring order and adherence to the city’s master plan.
During the inspection, one building had already been demolished.
The AMMC granted the developer a two-week grace period to voluntarily remove the remaining 24 illegal structures. Failure to comply will result in the FCTA carrying out the full demolition at the developer’s expense.
The Director of Development Control, Muktar Galadima clarified that while the initial land allocation was impacted by the planned S20 road project and alternative land was provided, the developer still failed to secure necessary approvals for the constructed buildings. Initial assessments revealed a significant discrepancy, with 42 buildings constructed despite only 18 having received approval.
The Chairman of the FCT Building Contravention Taskforce, Gabriel Musa corroborated the findings of overdevelopment. In response, the developer, Kadiri Obaidi, admitted to the infractions, attributing some of the unauthorized buildings to estate subscribers.
He pledged to undertake the demolition within the stipulated two-week timeframe to salvage usable materials. The council firmly reiterated that the entire demolition process must be borne by the developer.