The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has demolished 11 multi-storey buildings located under high tension lines in the Apo-Dutse area of Abuja, citing safety concerns and disregard for building regulations.
The exercise, which took place on Thursday, was carried out by officials from the Department of Development Control following repeated warnings to the developers.
Director of Development Control, Mr Mukhtar Galadima, said the demolition became necessary after the developers ignored multiple stop-work notices and written communications. He explained that the structures, which included several three- and four-bedroom flats, were built in violation of the city’s master plan. “This is a statutorily allocated plot, but we declined their request for building plan approval because it’s close to a high-tension line and a stream channel. Despite this, they went ahead with the construction,” Galadima stated.
According to him, the department had consistently warned the developers from the early stages of excavation, yet they continued building illegally. He added that the FCTA had even offered them an opportunity for alternative allocation, but they refused and proceeded with the unlawful development. “We have been serving notices at every stage of the project. Unfortunately, they chose to ignore all directives,” he said.
Galadima revealed that apart from being under a high-tension line, the demolished buildings were also obstructing a proposed bridge construction planned for the area by the Engineering Department of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA). “The FCDA Engineering Department wrote to us about plans to construct a bridge in that section, so leaving those buildings there was not an option,” he added.
The director further ruled out the possibility of any compensation for the affected property owners, noting that only structures with proper approvals qualify for such consideration. “Compensation is paid to owners of approved properties affected by government projects. In this case, there was no approval at all, so there will be none,” Galadima clarified.
He also hinted that the developers might face legal action for violating the city’s building laws and for the cost incurred during the demolition process. “We will consider prosecuting the developers and ensure they pay the necessary penalties,” he said, stressing that the FCTA remains committed to enforcing compliance with the Abuja master plan to ensure safety and orderliness in the capital city.
