The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has asserted that it will not tolerate illegal markets and unapproved settlements that impede its commitment to massive road construction. Traders occupying such sites have been warned to vacate immediately.
Mukhtar Galadima, the Director of the FCT Department of Development Control, made this declaration on Thursday during a clearance exercise on the N16 road corridor. Represented by the Deputy Director of Monitoring and Enforcement, Hassan Ogbole, Galadima stated that individuals desiring to operate markets should collaborate with municipal authorities to secure designated spaces.
“We are currently on the N16 Road corridor. We initiated this exercise yesterday from the beginning and are extending it to Ring Road 3. The contract for this project has already been awarded by the FCT Administration, but the contractor faced hindrances due to the presence of an illegal market in this corridor and other unauthorized structures. Additionally, there is a public toilet on the road corridor,” explained Galadima.
He emphasized that the removal of structures falls under the purview of the FCT Administration and is within the responsibility of the Development Control Department. The ongoing effort involves collaboration with related departments, including security agencies, Parks and Recreation, and others.
“The contractor is already on the ground. This marks our third visit to this area. If the traders return, so will we. Ample notices have been given. We advise those operating in unsanctioned road corridors to vacate and coordinate with the Abuja Municipal Area Council or the Urban Affairs Department of FCDA for appropriate arrangements,” Galadima added.
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Dr. Peter Olumuji, the Secretary of Command and Control in the FCTA, highlighted that many FCT residents have complained about insecurity in the city center. One of the contributing factors identified is the prevalence of shanties along road corridors.