FCTA to begin arresting violators of Abuja Master Plan, says Development Control

Published

1 year ago

September 20, 2023

FCTA

The Department of Development Control, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), says it will begin arresting violators of Abuja Master Plan in addition to demolishing the structures.

Its Director, Mr Mukhtar Galadima, stated this after a foiled attempted demolition of an abandoned three-storey building at Asokoro in Abuja on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that officials of the department had begun demolishing the fence of the building when the owner came with a court order stopping the exercise.

Galadima told journalists that the building was not only abandoned but was also constructed in violation of the approval given for the structure.

“Aside from building contrary to the approval, the structure had been abandoned for a long time and had become a safe haven for criminals.

“If you look at that area, it is purely a low-density residential area, mostly duplexes with one suspended floor or two suspended floors.

“But the structure in question is a massive structure of luxury apartments, which may end up being a hotel.

“There was no approval to that effect. I have gone through all the files. The approval was for a duplex, but they didn’t build it in line with what was approved for them.,” he said.

The director recalled that the former minister had visited the structure for the same reason, adding that notice for removal had been served to the owner.

He added that part of the reason for the demolition, apart from violating the approved plan, was also that the building was abandoned and constituting a security threat to residents.

He also said that the Minister of the FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, frowns at abandoned structures.

“These are why we moved in to remove that structure to give way but while the operation was ongoing, the owner of the property came up with a court order.

“The Order specifically barred FCTA from tampering with the property.

“As responsible citizens, I have to stop the action and consult with the Legal Secretariat of the FCT to advise on the next line of action,” he said.

When asked if the department will go ahead with the demolition if the Legal Secretariat gives its consent, Galadima said “It will come down”.

After some cleanup of operations at Asokoro and Maitama, the director said that the department would sustain the cleanup exercise.

He said that the exercise would focus on dark spots constituting security threats and those constituting hygienic and environmental problems.

“The clean up is a continuous exercise to sanitise and clean the city. Already we have cleaned up Kabusa Junction, Galadimawa Roundabout, Sun City, and Ring Road 2 Corridor.

“So, we’re going all around the city, but this time around, once we clear, we will arrest those violating the Abuja Masterplan,” he said.

NAN)

Gov Sanwo-Olu Signs Lagos Electricity Bill Into Law

Published

17 hours ago

December 3, 2024

News Editor

Babajide-Sanwo-Olu

The Lagos State Electricity Law 2024 is a comprehensive plan of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s resolve to address longstanding challenges in the energy sector.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has officially signed the Lagos Electricity Bill into law.

The ceremony which was carried out at Lagos House Alausa Ikeja, had in attendance the state deputy governor Kadri Hamzat, members of the State assembly, as well as the state executive council members.

Governor Sanwo-Olu commended the state House of Assembly for ensuring the speedy passage of the bill, stressing that the bill will change the socio-economic value of citizens in Lagos State.

He stated that the electricity bill has been in the works for some years, and now that is finally achieved as Lagosians can be sure of a steady power supply.

On his part, the state Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye, said the electricity law signed will provide an additional grid for Lagos State, and also put an end to black out in the state.

“There will now be regular power supply. Host community development Trust fund, which will provide opportunities for communities to develop power plant,” he said.

Ogunleye noted that the step taken by the government stands as a beacon of progress, that will ensure uninterrupted power supply in Lagos State.

The Lagos State Electricity Law 2024 is a comprehensive plan of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s resolve to address longstanding challenges in the energy sector.

The law will lay a robust foundation for economic growth, fostering industrial growth, improved quality of life, energy equity, economic prosperity, and environmental sustainability.

Among other things, the law seeks to establish a Lagos Electricity Market that is technically sound, financially viable, and well-regulated, ensure access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable electricity for all citizens.

It also helps to promote diverse energy sources, including renewable energy, and encourage energy efficiency, foster investment, competition, and innovation in the electricity sector and electrify underserved areas, contributing to the sustainable development of Lagos State.

News

Tax Reform Bills: Northern Youths Stage Solidarity Rally For Barau In NASS

Published

18 hours ago

December 3, 2024

News Editor

Deputy President of the Senate Barau Jibrin

Thousands of youth from across the 19 Northern States of the country staged a solidarity rally at the entrance of the National Assembly today, in support of the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, describing him as the “Sardauna of our era.”

According to them, the peaceful rally was organised to warn those attacking the Deputy President of the Senate over last Wednesday’s resolution of the Senate allowing tax reform experts access to the chamber of the Senate to make presentations during the plenary session on the Tax Reform Bills.

Barau had, during the plenary session, said that the experts, including the chairman of the Presidential Committee on Tax Reform, Taiwo Oyedele, should be allowed to educate the Senators and Nigerians on the Tax Reform Bills.

Carrying banners with various inscriptions including: “Senator Barau: The Sardauna of our era”,” Senator Barau is the new leader of the North”, ” Stop attacking Senator Barau”, ” Leave Senator Barau alone”, ” Senator Barau: The pro-masses lawmaker,” they said Barau remains the best Senator in the North, given his sponsorship of the North West Development Commission (NWDC) bill.

A former President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Tijjani Kabiru Mohammed, said the Deputy President of the Senate has neither supported nor kicked against the Tax Reform Bills; instead, he pushed for the sensitisation of Nigerians.

News

Tinubu Greets Atiku Abubakar On 78th Birthday

Published

1 week ago

November 26, 2024

News Editor

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar

President Bola Tinubu extends his best wishes to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on the occasion of his 78th birthday.

The former Vice President and PDP presidential candidate in the 2023 presidential election has been an active player in Nigeria’s democratic process since the return to civilian rule in 1999.

The President recalls many special moments shared with Wazirin Adamawa as founding members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), united in the mission to build a better future for Nigerians, as well as their engagement as political opponents in the last presidential election.

President Tinubu recognises Atiku’s commitment to public service and philanthropy, and prays Almighty Allah to continue to grant him health and happiness in the years ahead.