By Abdullahi Lukman
The Nigerian Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced plans to remove all illegal settlements, particularly shanties obstructing developmental projects in Abuja.
The move targets unplanned developments in Durumi District’s Area 1 in Garki, which have hindered urban planning and affected residents’ welfare.
In a statement by Mr. Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Public Communication, the FCTA expressed concern over the re-emergence of shanties that disrupt land use and city management despite previous clearance efforts.
These irregular settlements prevent land allottees from utilizing their properties and delay government projects.
To tackle the issue, Minister Nyesom Wike established a Stakeholders’ Committee comprising security agency heads, FCTA officials, civil society groups, and media representatives.
The committee identified the shanties as a major obstacle to orderly development and the city’s aesthetics.
The FCTA has already begun clearing illegal settlements in the City Centre and will soon extend the operation to Area 1, Durumi, aiming to create a more organized and livable capital city.
