By Sarah NEGEDU
The outgoing Director of the FCT Department of Development Control, Tpl. Mukhtar Galadima, retired over the weekend after 33 years of service, leaving a department transformed by reforms he spearheaded to streamline approvals, strengthen monitoring, and enforce compliance with the Abuja Master Plan.
Speaking to journalists over the week during a brief ceremony, Galadima said his tenure had been guided by dedication to the city’s planning framework and a deep commitment to public service.
He recalled joining the FCT Administration in December 1992 as a higher technical officer, never imagining he would one day lead the department.
His time in office coincided with significant changes, including the digitisation of the building approval process, the introduction of post-development audits, and the decentralisation of zonal offices. According to him, these reforms were not personal initiatives but institutional shifts developed with active staff participation.
“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,” Galadima told journalists, describing his rise as the product of steady commitment, careful mentorship, and a deep sense of duty.
He added that the digitisation of approvals will continue to improve, aligning with global practices, and that the department will soon begin electronic vetting of building plans, allowing staff and developers to work remotely.
The reforms, he said, were intended to shorten approval timelines, strengthen monitoring, and ensure that every development complies with the Abuja Master Plan.
On the challenge of rapid urban expansion, Galadima said public awareness is crucial. Residents frequently alert the department to illegal developments, while staff “move around the city at all hours” to ensure enforcement keeps pace with growth.
He said involving stakeholders fosters a shared responsibility essential for sustainable city development.
Galadima acknowledged the sensitivity of development control, describing it as demanding but central to Abuja’s orderly growth. He noted that consistent enforcement of rules is essential, even amid administrative pressures.
Reflecting on his experience under the current FCT leadership, he described the Minister as results-driven, whose focus on delivery instilled discipline and strengthened internal coordination within the department.
Advising the next generation of officers, Galadima said, “To succeed in an organisation like this, you must understand the plan, you must understand governance and resource management, and you must be committed to your work because whatever you sow is what you reap.”
He urged staff to remain patient, supportive, and committed, insisting that honesty and dedication are always rewarded.
Galadima concluded with the hope that his successors would continue to protect the Abuja Master Plan with the same sense of duty that guided his own years of service.
