Tpl Mukhtar Galadima, the Director of the FCT Department of Development Control, a department responsible for the demolition of illegal buildings in the nation’s capital, has bowed out of service.
Galadima said he is leaving service with gratitude and a clear sense of fulfilment after more than 30 years of work in the Federal Capital Territory.
He said his journey had been driven by dedication to the Abuja Master Plan and a strong belief in public service.
He recalled that he joined the FCT Administration in December 1992 as a young Higher Technical Officer, adding that the thought of becoming a director never crossed his mind.
He said, “When I assumed duty in December 1992, I never imagined that I would become a director, yet by the grace of God, I have had the privilege to serve in this capacity.”
He added that years of steady commitment, careful mentorship and a deep sense of duty shaped his rise through the system.
Galadima said many of the reforms carried out during his tenure have taken root because most members of staff took part in shaping them.
He explained that the digitization of the building approval process, the introduction of post-development audits, and the decentralization of offices were all team efforts.
He said, “To a large extent ,we have digitized the approval process, and it will continue to improve because computerization is an ongoing effort that must align with global practice.”
He said the department would soon begin electronic vetting of building plans, which will allow staff and developers to work from any location.
He noted that the goal has always been to shorten approval time, strengthen monitoring, and ensure that every development follows the conditions set out in the Abuja Master Plan. Speaking on the tension between rapid urban growth and strict compliance, Galadima said awareness is the most important tool.
He explained that residents often help the department identify illegal developments, adding that staff also move around the city at all hours to ensure that enforcement keeps pace with expansion.
He added that carrying stakeholders along creates a sense of shared responsibility that supports sustainable city development.
Galadima expressed hope that the next generation of officers will continue to protect the Abuja Master Plan with the same sense of duty that guided his own years in service.
(Daily Trust)
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