FCTA begins demolition of 50 illegal buildings

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has launched a large-scale demolition operation targeting 50 illegally constructed duplexes and bungalows in the Sabon Lugbe area of Abuja.

On Thursday, Mukhtar Galadima, the Director of the FCTA’s Department of Development Control, led the demolition exercise, citing the structures as unauthorized developments by land speculators. According to Galadima, the southwest section of Sabon Lugbe lies within the designated Phase 5 District of the Federal Capital City (FCC), and the affected buildings were erected without proper permits.

“We had previously issued warnings that we would act against land grabbers,” Galadima said. “Today’s demolition is the first phase. We are starting with 10 structures and will continue tomorrow to clear all 50 illegal buildings.”

He urged potential property buyers to perform thorough checks before purchasing land, warning that many speculators deceive residents by falsely claiming that the land is legally approved for development. Galadima stressed that no such approval exists for these areas and reaffirmed the FCTA’s commitment to enforcing urban planning laws.

“The misleading claims that these areas will be integrated into Phase 5 of the FCC are entirely false,” Galadima added. “Illegality is illegality, and we will ensure that unauthorized developments across the FCT are removed.”

The demolition targets not only Sabon Lugbe but also other areas with unauthorized developments, including Idu Train Station (now part of Gosa and Kyami), Apo Tarfi, and parts of Lugbe.

Galadima reiterated that the FCTA will not tolerate illegal constructions in the capital city and will continue its efforts to restore order and enforce development regulations.

This exercise forms part of the FCTA’s broader initiative to curb unauthorized urban expansion and uphold the integrity of the city’s planned growth.