As part of measures to restore the nation’s capital master plan, the Federal Government may demolish no fewer than 30 illegal settlements and slums and over 6,000 illegal buildings in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The newly Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, gave the hint upon resuming office on Monday in Abuja. He said that all illegal buildings distorting the Abuja master plan would be pulled down. In his words, Wike vowed to flatten all illegal buildings even if they belonged to a minister or an ambassador.
Media investigations have revealed that the slums that might be affected by the urban renewal programme would include Apo Mechanic Village, Byanzhin, Dawaki, Dei Dei, Durumi, Dutse, Garki, Garki Village, Gishiri, Gwagwalape, Idu, Jabi, Kado Village, Karmo, Karshi, Karu, Katampe, Ketti Village, Kpaduma, Kabusa, Kpana Village, Kubwa, Lokogoma, Lugbe, Mabushi, Mpape, Nyanya and Piya Kasa. Also, those who acquired lands from Abuja indigenes may lose their investments as they were regarded by the FCT Administration as illegal.
6,000 abandoned structures in the FCT may be affected.
Checks have indicated that about 6,000 structures may be affected by the restoration plans. These included buildings that have been abandoned for a long time in violation of the building code. A 2022 report by the FCT Administration indicated that at least 6,000 abandoned homes may be affected by the threat of demolition or revocation of land titles. However, this figure may increase as it does not include the number of illegal homes or slums in the FCT, according to FCTA officials.
Speaking in an interview on Monday, August 21, 2023, the director of the FCTA Department of Development Control, Muktar Galadima, stated that a new survey might have to be conducted to evaluate the current realities. He said that officials would have to go back to the field to ascertain that figure because some of the structures have been completed since the administration published the report. He said that a new survey has to be conducted, but the current figure was as of February 2022.
Ex-Rivers governor promised to punish law violators.
Unveiling his vision to news correspondents and FCT Administration officials after taking the oath of office alongside 44 other ministers at the banquet hall of the President Villa, Abuja, the FCT minister also said he would revoke lands that had remained undeveloped for a long period of time. The ex-Rivers State governor warned that houses that distorted the Abuja Master Plan, including those built on green areas, will also be demolished, vowing to ‘’step on toes.’’
When journalists asked him if his demolition plan was not a form of vendetta against his perceived enemies, Wike simply promised a hard time for those who violated the law irrespective of their status or position in society. He further warned that lands that had not been developed for years, or for which ground rents had not been paid, would be revoked and reallocated to those who would complete the building within a short period of time.
Wike vows to crack down hard on defaulters especially on ground rents.
The minister also specifically mentions those whom the government has given C of O (Certificate of Occupancy) or allocated lands, and who refuse to develop them, saying that the certificate will be revoked. He took time to explain why he would not spare ground rent defaulters, stating that he would not issue a demand notice before revoking their plots. He also used the opportunity to address speculations that he might be sanctioned by his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, for accepting the ministerial nomination. He said that President Bola Tinubu had asked all the state governors to nominate 10 persons each.
Related Link
FCT Administration: Website
FG to demolish 6k buildings in Abuja. – FCT minister says illegal structures distorting master plan to be pulled down. – Express your point of view.
As part of measures to restore the nation’s capital master plan, the Federal Government may demolish no fewer than 30 illegal settlements and slums and over 6,000 illegal buildings in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Nyesom Wike said that all illegal buildings distorting the Abuja master plan would be pulled down. He as vowed to flatten all illegal buildings even if they belonged to a minister or an ambassador and to make matters worse those in the slums and those who abandoned their lands etc will be affected to a large extent. This is coming in line with the Renewed Hope and to give face to the ideal master plan for Abuja
I understand that the Federal Government plans to demolish 6,000 buildings in Abuja due to their classification as illegal structures that are distorting the master plan. While it is important to enforce regulations and maintain the integrity of the city’s planning, it is crucial to approach this issue with fairness, transparency, and consideration for the affected individuals.
Firstly, it is essential for the government to clearly communicate the reasons behind the demolitions and provide a comprehensive explanation of how these structures violate the master plan. This will help the affected individuals understand the basis for the decision and allow them to participate in the process.
Secondly, alternative solutions should be explored to minimize the impact on the affected individuals. This could include providing compensation, offering relocation options, or assisting in the regularization of the structures if possible. It is important to ensure that those affected are not left without proper housing or livelihoods as a result of the demolitions.
In conclusion, while the demolition of illegal structures in Abuja is necessary to uphold the master plan, it is crucial to approach this issue with sensitivity, fairness, and transparency. By providing clear communication, exploring alternative solutions, prioritizing sustainable development, and engaging with stakeholders, the government can mitigate the negative impact on affected individuals and build a stronger, more inclusive city for the future
I hope the owners of the homes being torn down will receive compensation. Due to the federal government’s plan for the capital, certain buildings must actually be demolished. All I can hope for is that due process will be followed.
The F G plans to demolish 6,000 buildings in Abuja because they have been deemed illegal structures that are obstructing the master plan. The government explains in detail how these structures contravene the master plan and demonstrates the justifications for the demolitions