The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has declared its commitment to preventing illegal markets and unauthorized settlements from obstructing extensive road construction efforts.
Traders operating in such areas have been given a warning to vacate immediately.
Tlp. Mukhtar Galadima, Director of the FCT Department of Development Control, conveyed this message during clearance operations on the N16 road corridor.
Represented by Hassan Ogbole, Deputy Director of Monitoring and Enforcement, Galadima stressed the importance of individuals wishing to operate markets coordinating with municipal authorities to secure designated spaces.
The ongoing operation involves collaboration with security agencies, Parks and Recreation, and other relevant departments.
Galadima highlighted that the constraints posed by illegal markets and structures had hindered the progress of a road construction project for which a contract had been awarded by the FCT Administration.
Galadima emphasized that the removal of structures is within the purview of the FCT Administration and falls under the responsibility of the Development Control Department.
“We will advise them where they are operating within road corridors that are not sanctioned by the authority; they should vacate such locations and liaise with the Abuja Municipal Area Council or Urban Affairs Department of FCDA, and they will be catered for,” stated Galadima.
Dr. Peter Olumuji, Secretary, Command and Control in the FCTA, pointed out that the prevalence of shanties on road corridors has contributed to concerns about insecurity in the city center.
