FCTA Demolishes Multi-Million-Naira Estate, Cites Reason

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Thursday pulled down a multi-million-naira mini-estate in the Dutse District of Abuja, citing safety concerns and illegal development on restricted land. The estate, situated on Sam Mbakwe Street near Cedar Crest Hospital, comprised over ten duplexes and four two-storey buildings constructed beneath a high-tension power line and across a stream channel designated for a future bridge project.

Director of the Department of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, who supervised the demolition, stated that the developers were repeatedly warned to stop construction but disregarded official notices. He explained that although the developers applied for a building plan approval, the request was rejected due to the dangers posed by the location. “They applied for approval, which we declined because of its proximity to the high-tension line and stream channel. Despite written notices and stop-work orders at every stage, they went ahead with the construction,” he said.

Responding to questions about the timing of the demolition, Galadima emphasized that responsibility lay entirely with the developers. “Once you are served a notice, you should stop. If you ignore it, we will allow you to waste your resources, and then we will bring it down,” he said.

He further confirmed that while the plot had been mistakenly allocated, the owners would not be compensated since the structures lacked official approval. “Compensation is only for properties with valid approvals. In this case, they were instructed to stop at the excavation stage but continued, so there is no basis for compensation,” he stated.

In a new enforcement policy, Galadima disclosed that the FCTA would begin billing offenders for the cost of demolition, in accordance with urban planning laws. He added that the administration was procuring new demolition equipment approved by the Federal Executive Council to strengthen enforcement efforts.

Galadima advised the affected developer to formally apply to the FCTA for an alternative plot, noting that the administration remained open to lawful development in compliance with Abuja’s master plan.