The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has intensified enforcement against developers illegally converting green spaces and waterways in Abuja, warning that unchecked encroachment threatens the city’s master plan.
The Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) on Monday arrested an estate developer in Guzape for allegedly selling off protected green areas to unsuspecting buyers.
AMMC Coordinator Chief Felix Obuah, leading an enforcement team, demolished illegal structures built on waterways and vowed to reclaim all encroached land. He cited an investigative report confirming the developer had violated approved plans.
“The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, will not allow anyone to sabotage the ongoing efforts towards restoring the already distorted Abuja Master Plan,” Obuah declared.
He also uncovered another illegal takeover of green spaces in Utako by a foreign firm, promising full recovery of such lands. Government officials involved in fraudulent land deals will face disciplinary action, he added.
While granting the developer two weeks to self-demolish remaining illegal structures, Obuah warned that authorities would return for enforcement if compliance fails.
Mukhtar Galadima, Director of Development Control, confirmed the developer ignored multiple stop-work orders. His team has now heightened surveillance to curb further violations.
The developer, Kadiri Ogbaidi of Citiscape Villa, admitted wrongdoing but blamed subscribers for the encroachment. He pleaded for two weeks to rectify the infractions.
“We have approval for the entire estate. But there have been many infractions here, mostly from our subscribers, who we are responsible for. So, we won’t deny any wrongdoing. We take responsibility,” Ogbaidi said.
“We will remove every infraction here as specified by the authority. We just appeal for at least two weeks. We’ll take them down ourselves.”
The FCTA’s crackdown signals a tougher stance against illegal developments as Abuja grapples with urban planning violations.
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