By Sarah NEGEDU
The Federal Capital Territory Administration has said there is no going back on its decision to remove all structures encroaching on designated green areas and waterways across the city.
This is as the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, AMMC, stressed the importance of upholding the Abuja Master Plan and preventing further unauthorized developments.
Coordinator of the AMMC, Chief Felix Obuah, who led a team of FCTA officials on a tour of key sites in Utako, Katampe, and Wumba Districts on Thursday, emphasized the urgent need of protecting critical green areas, which have been compromised by unauthorized construction.
Consequently, the AMMC boss also issued a stern warning to developers engaging in unlawful land activities, emphasizing that no exceptions will be made in the ongoing enforcement exercise.
“The encroachments are obstructing vital waterways and green spaces, which are essential to the city’s ecosystem. If we allow this to continue, we are risking major environmental and public safety consequences. These structures will be demolished, and that’s not negotiable.”
The team identified several construction sites that have either encroached upon waterways or disrupted the natural environment, a violation of the city’s development rules. Among the key issues raised during the tour was the destruction of green spaces, which are supposed to serve as recreational areas for the residents of the district.
At Wumba District, Obuah directed the immediate demolition of several duplexes encroaching upon a designated green space, which was originally intended for park development.
He stressed the need to protect the integrity of the city’s natural resources, which contribute significantly to mitigating environmental challenges, including heat and flooding.
“It’s unfortunate that some developers have ignored warnings and continued construction without proper authorization. This area, which should be preserved for public use, is now under threat from illegal structures. We will not allow that to happen,” Obuah asserted.
In Katampe, the AMMC took similar action, ordering the demolition of ongoing developments without valid title documents. Obuah stated that despite prior notices, the developer continued work without responding to the FCTA’s request for verification of legal documents.
“We have asked for documentation, but instead of complying, construction continued. Now, the only solution left is to clear the area completely. I’ve given the developer 48 hours to appear with the necessary paperwork, or we will proceed with the demolition,” Obuah warned.
Supporting the AMMC’s position, Director of Development Control, Tpl. Mukhtar Galadima, confirmed that no less than ten duplexes in Wumba District were identified for demolition due to unauthorized construction on designated green spaces. He added that the FCTA’s stance on land grabbing and unapproved development would be reinforced across the city to ensure compliance with the Abuja Master Plan.
“We will continue to enforce the law. There are no exceptions. Every part of this city is governed by specific guidelines, and if developers fail to follow them, we will take the necessary steps to correct it,” Galadima stated.
Meanwhile, the Director Abuja Environmental Protection Board, AEPB, Engr. Osilama Braimah, raised some environmental concerns as well as the long-term effects of green area encroachments.
“These developments don’t just violate building codes; they disrupt the ecological balance of the city. The loss of green spaces leads to a rise in urban temperatures and increased flooding. We must protect these areas for the good of the environment and the health of the people,” Braimah cautioned
