The Federal Capital Territory Administration has given a three-month ultimatum to owners of undeveloped properties within the Federal Capital City, mandating them to either begin development on their buildings or risk having them demolished.
The PUNCH reported that this the announcement, made in a document signed by the Coordinator of the Abuja Municipal Management Council, Felix Obuah, was circulated to the media on Monday night.
The FCTA mentioned that this directive comes in response to the increasing number of shanties and illegal structures cropping up across the FCC.
These undeveloped properties, Obuah noted, have become a haven for criminal elements, posing a significant security threat to the community.
Obuah emphasized that the FCTA is deeply concerned about the spread of these unauthorized settlements within the city, particularly in uncompleted buildings and on vacant plots.
The administration has observed that many of these properties are being used as hideouts for individuals involved in illicit activities, which endanger the safety and well-being of local residents.
“The FCT Administration has noted with concern the rapid expansion of shanties and squatters within uncompleted buildings and undeveloped plots across the Federal Capital City. The Administration has also observed that these buildings and plots are being used as hideouts by men of questionable character, thereby posing a serious security challenge to residents,” Obuah stated.
Property owners have been given a strict timeline to address the situation. “In view of the foregoing, all owners of these abandoned and uncompleted buildings, as well as undeveloped plots, are hereby directed to immediately develop and secure the properties within three months from the date of this announcement,” he added.
Failure to comply with the directive will lead to serious repercussions. Obuah warned that those who do not take steps to develop their properties within the given time frame could face penalties, including the revocation of land titles and the demolition of the undeveloped or abandoned structures
“Failure to comply with this directive may result in appropriate actions, including the revocation of titles and the demolition of such abandoned structures,” the statement concluded.
This move is part of the FCTA’s broader efforts to tackle the security issues and urban blight caused by such properties, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to maintaining order and safety within the nation’s capital.
