No Approval, No Mercy: FCTA Targets Illegal Structures in Apo Axis

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the demolition of over 10 illegally constructed duplexes on a designated green area in Wumba District, near the Apo axis of Abuja.

The order was handed down by the Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, Mr. Felix Obuah, during a citywide inspection of unauthorized developments on Thursday. He disclosed that the developer had flouted previous stop-work orders issued by the Development Control Department and continued building without any legal documentation.

“When we invited the developer to provide legal documents for these structures, it was clear there was no approval, no allocation absolutely nothing. Despite this, the work continued, with attempts to conceal enforcement markings,” Obuah said. “As a result, every one of these properties will be demolished.”

He emphasized that the FCT Administration would not tolerate violations of the Abuja Master Plan, warning developers against illegal land use.

Supporting the action, Mr. Mukhtar Galadima, Director of Development Control, confirmed that the structures had been marked at various stages of completion. “We gave no approval, and the evidence of our markings is still visible. Unfortunately, some developers only respond to bulldozers,” he stated.

Mr. Chidemelu Echee, Director of Parks and Recreation, condemned the encroachment on designated green zones, noting that Abuja’s city design balances construction and nature. “This unapproved activity disrupts our natural ecosystem and contributes to global warming,” he said.

The Director of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board, Mr. Osilama Braimah, added that unchecked development in green areas worsens environmental conditions. “Excess concrete raises ambient temperatures, limits groundwater recharge, and increases flood risk. These green areas are essential to the city’s sustainability.”

The FCTA reaffirmed its commitment to preserving Abuja’s environment and enforcing urban development regulations without compromise.