Developer Faces 48-hour Deadline, As FCTA Wages War On Illegal Land-grabbing

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), through the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to a developer accused of unlawful construction in a protected green area in Utako. Failure to comply will result in the complete demolition of the structures involved.

AMMC coordinator Chief Felix Obuah, who led the demolition team to the site on Thursday, disclosed that the developer had previously been ordered to cease construction and provide legal title documents but chose to ignore the directive and proceed with the work.

“When we invited the developer to present legal documentation for his activities, it became clear that there was no paperwork, approval, or allocation.

“I instructed him to halt construction, but he refused. The only language he will understand now is demolition. Everything you see here will be taken down.

“I have directed the developer to come to my office by 10 a.m. tomorrow for verification. If he fails to appear, we will move in with our machines and clear the area,” he said.

He described the illegal project as a blatant violation of the Abuja Master Plan and a severe safety risk, particularly due to its proximity to a drainage channel.

“This is a waterway. If we allow this to continue, the entire area will be flooded, risking lives and properties. That’s why we must act decisively,” he said.

The AMMC Coordinator stressed the FCT Administration’s commitment to maintaining order and preventing unauthorized developments across Abuja.

“We are translating the Minister’s vision into action. Our role at AMMC is to restore order in the city, and we will not relent,” he said.

He further confirmed that similar enforcement actions were underway in three other parts of the capital, targeting illegal land developments. “This is not an isolated incident. Wherever illegal constructions exist, we will dismantle them. There is no turning back.”

Obuah assured residents that the administration would spare no effort or resources to safeguard lives and uphold the city’s environmental and planning standards. “Any expense incurred to prevent disaster is justified. We aim to ensure public safety, prevent flooding, and enforce the law.”

“We are no longer taking this lightly. If you lack valid approvals, consider this your final warning: Abuja is not a lawless territory.”

Director of the Department of Development Control, Tpl. Mukhtar Galadima echoed the Council’s zero-tolerance policy for land encroachment and illicit developments.

He confirmed that a 48-hour ultimatum had also been issued to a developer in the Wumba District to report with valid title documents or face demolition.

“We invited the developer to submit legal documents. There was nothing, no approval, no allocation. Instead of stopping, work continued, leaving us no option but to act,” he said.

He affirmed that enforcement efforts would not only continue but be intensified citywide.

“Abuja must adhere to its Master Plan. We will reclaim every violated space, green areas, floodplains, or road corridors. Illegal developers must realize that compliance is the only option now.

“There will be no impunity. If you lack the legal basis for your construction, it will come down,” he said.