KEY POINTS
- FCT Minister Wike remains committed to Abuja demolitions despite protests.
- Demolished areas may be converted to new bus terminals.
- Local representatives to consult with officials on relocation options.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has vowed to press on with demolition exercises across Abuja, despite growing protests and opposition from civil society organizations.
Wike addressed the issue following a visit to the recently demolished Ruga settlement, where he was accompanied by security officials after a meeting of the FCT Security Council on Sunday.
Wike reiterated that the administration will continue to provide security for the residents and sustain the standards of the city.
Notably, he dismissed the request for stopping the demolitions and insisted that his government will not yield to “such blackmail and intimidation” from non-governmental organizations and other individuals condemning the government’s action.
“We are committed to making Abuja one of the best cities globally by focusing on protecting lives, property, and creating order,” he said.
Through the Department of Development Control, demolitions aim at structures and squatter homes considered as distortions to the envisioned planning strategy and order, as well as trigger security threats.
Wike acknowledged the fact that the overall goal of the government is to provide a well-ordered capital city that will conform to international standards irrespective of the criticisms.
New bus terminals to replace unauthorized structures
During his visit, Wike warned residents not to rebuild structures in areas cleared by the demolitions. He emphasized that no temporary or permanent structures would be permitted until the government has decided on a comprehensive plan for the land.
He also declared that more of the shanties in Abuja will be pulled down to pave way for bus terminals in the city as part of the general plan to make it safer for anyone using public transport in the area.
Wike explained that certain areas where informal settlements had sprung up will be repurposed to ease traffic congestion and provide better transportation options.
“We have identified various zones with unauthorized structures, and we aim to establish new bus terminals to improve the flow of movement in the city and create an environment conducive for business,” Wike said.
According to Punch, the minister added that the government has taken a proactive approach to urban renewal, focusing on creating an orderly environment for residents and businesses.
The upcoming demolitions are expected to support Abuja’s growing transportation needs and alleviate issues related to makeshift bus stops in high-traffic areas.
Local leaders seek alternative shelter options
As a result of these recent demolitions, Wike has ordered 5 persons from those affected communities to sit down with security heads of FCT and Director of Land and Development Control. These consultations are meant to act as a series of meetings in which the government can successfully talk to the displaced residents.
Therefore, the spokesman for the displaced settlers, Abba Garu advised Wike to provide temporary accommodation for them because majority are income earners living in such structures.
Garu highlighted that the recent demolition was the 22nd such exercise conducted by various administrations. He pointed out that more than 10,000 people lived in the Ruga settlement, representing diverse ethnicities and backgrounds.
“We are not contesting the government’s right to the land,” he said, “but we plead with the minister to assist us in finding an alternative place to reside.”
Garu also pointed out the fact that most residents in the impacted areas are trapped in low paying jobs and are thus vulnerable to job loss.
He insisted that most of the people under threat must be supported by the government, to enable them to relocate without having their lives greatly inconvenienced.
