FCTA Rakes in N2.5 Billion, Eradicates 11,705 Shanties in 10-Month Blitz – Official Triumph

The Federal Capital Territory Administration, in collaboration with the Ministerial Enforcement Task Force Team, has successfully generated a substantial sum of N2.5 billion within a ten-month period spanning from January to October.

This financial boost primarily emanated from building plan approvals, land use contraventions, and the demolition of 11,705 shanty colonies across various locations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This noteworthy initiative, led by the Department of Development Control, aimed to address illegal developments and shanties, with a particular focus on areas like Kabusa, Kasuwan Dare, Galadimawa junction, Mabushi scavenger colony, and Gudu District along Oladipo Diya Way.

Mukhtar Galadima, the Director of Development Control at the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, FCTA, shared detailed insights during a comprehensive media briefing. Emphasizing the concerted efforts to eradicate illegal structures, Galadima highlighted specific accomplishments, including the removal of obstructing structures on waterways at Lugbe, Jahi, and Lokogoma. This strategic move not only mitigated flooding issues experienced within the city in recent years but also showcased the department’s commitment to enhancing urban resilience.

One of the significant outcomes of these efforts was the creation of 13,873 direct and indirect jobs during the demolition and cleanup activities. Beyond the eradication of shanties, the department actively addressed encroachments on rights of way and identified security black spots in collaboration with FCT security agencies. This multi-faceted approach not only contributed to the physical transformation of these areas but also had a positive impact on local employment and security.

In the realm of building plan applications, the director reported receiving 1,764 applications within the specified ten-month period. Out of these, approvals were granted for 1,422 applications, including addressing backlogs from previous years. The revenue generation aspect was particularly noteworthy, with the department accumulating N2.5 billion, representing a commendable 68.5% of the N3.7 billion target set for the year. Notably, a substantial portion of this revenue, amounting to N1.7 billion, was generated solely from building plan approvals.

Galadima highlighted additional achievements that underscored the department’s commitment to enhancing efficiency and effectiveness. These included the inauguration of a One-Stop Vetting Team, the establishment of Regional Offices to decentralize monitoring and enforcement activities, and the initiation of a Post-Development Audit. The latter, starting as a pilot scheme in Dawaki, showcased the department’s forward-thinking approach to urban planning and development assessment.

However, amidst these accomplishments, challenges were acknowledged. Instances of land grabbing, harassment of department staff by security agencies, and the non-resettlement of indigenous communities leading to the proliferation of expanding slums were among the identified issues. The director also pointed out challenges such as inadequate and obsolete utility vehicles, slow adoption of information and communication technology, and slow-paced infrastructural development, particularly in satellite towns.

Efforts to address these challenges were outlined, including the inauguration of a Committee on the Prevention of Building Collapse and ongoing staff welfare initiatives. The proactive measures taken by the department not only demonstrate a commitment to addressing immediate issues but also reflect a forward-looking approach to urban planning and development in the Federal Capital Territory. As the FCT continues to evolve, these initiatives play a crucial role in shaping a sustainable, resilient, and vibrant urban landscape.