The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has demolished 11 duplexes in the Apo-Dutse District of Abuja for violating city planning regulations and building under high-tension power lines.
The Director of the Department of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, led the demolition exercise, citing the developers’ refusal to comply with development regulations despite repeated warnings.
Galadima explained that the developers were allocated the plot but proceeded with construction despite being denied approval due to the property’s proximity to high-tension lines and a stream channel.
The FCTA had offered alternative allocations, but the developers ignored the notices and continued building.
The Director emphasized that the administration would not tolerate defiance of urban development regulations, warning that developers would be surcharged for demolition costs and possibly prosecuted. “If you don’t respect our directives, we’ll allow you to waste your money, and we’ll bring down the structure,” he said.
Galadima ruled out compensation for the demolished properties, stating that they were constructed without approval.
Abuja Times reports that the FCTA plans to enforce penalties, including payment for demolition costs, and is considering prosecuting defaulting developers.