FCTA RECLAIMS ENCROACHED PLOT IN JABI, CLEARS STRUCTURES TO ALLOW APPROVED DEVELOPMENT.
By: Ruby John
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has begun removing illegal structures and occupants from Plot 82, Sector Center B16, Jabi Motor Park, Abuja, to enable the rightful owners to take possession of the property and begin development in line with an approved building plan.
The Development Control Department, in collaboration with security agencies, carried out the exercise to address the alleged encroachment on the plot and restore compliance with the area’s approved land-use plan.
Speaking during the operation, the Secretary of the FCT Command and Control Centre, of the Security Services Department, Dr. Peter Olumuji, explained that the deployment of security personnel was to ensure a peaceful exercise and prevent any breakdown of law and order.
He stated that the clearance was also informed by security concerns arising from illegal occupation of the area, noting that residents of neighbouring communities, particularly Utako, had repeatedly raised concerns about insecurity within the environment.
According to him, the removal of illegal occupants would improve security in the area by eliminating potential hiding places for criminal elements and allowing the rightful owners to take possession of their property.
Dr. Olumuji further disclosed that the level of compliance among the affected occupants was high, owing to the prior notices served by the Development Control Department.
He noted that many of the illegal occupants were already removing their belongings voluntarily, describing the exercise as peaceful and orderly.
Also speaking, the Sector Monitor at the Department of Development Control, Mr. Rilwan Tsoho Dangora, clarified that the exercise was specifically taking place on Plot 82, Sector B16, which had allegedly been encroached upon by occupants of the adjoining Jabi Motor Park, identified as Plot 187.
He explained that, according to the approved land-use plan, Plot 187 was designated for an International Motor and Bus Terminal but had largely been occupied by shops.
Dangora further explained that ongoing construction activities within the motor park had caused some commercial transport operators, including bus and taxi drivers, to relocate to the adjoining Plot 82, which they subsequently began using as a motor park.
He, however, emphasised that Plot 82 and Plot 187 were separate parcels of land with distinct approved purposes, contrary to claims by some occupants that Plot 82 formed part of Jabi motor Park.
According to him, the rightful owners of Plot 82 had obtained approval for a multifunctional development and were prepared to commence construction, hence the need to clear the property of unauthorised structures and occupants.
On the issue of prior notification, the Development Control official disclosed that the Department had been engaging the affected occupants since last year. He added that the notice process had commenced under previous officials and that additional notices, including a final demolition notice, were served on the occupants the week preceding the exercise.
The FCTA, through the Development Control Department, continues to enforce approved land-use provisions and development regulations to ensure orderly physical development, protect property rights and promote a safe and well-planned Federal Capital Territory.
