Nigeria: Why Abuja Demolition Must Go On - FCT Dep Director of Devt Control

3 February 2013
interview

Recently, the Federal Capital Territory Authority, FCTA, demolished some structures in Mpape community and Minanuel Estate along the Airport Road, Abuja, saying they were illegal. It also went ahead to publish a list of 37 other estates to be demolished. Following the out- cry that trailed this action, Sunday Vanguard sought the position of key government officials directly involved in the demolition. The Deputy Director of the Development Control Department of the FCTA, Hamza Tayyub, articulated government's stand on what has become a major controversy involving not only low income earners but also the rich and powerful in Abuja In this interview, Tayyub justifies the demolition and explains why government cannot stop the exercise in the present circumstances. The official also speaks on the challenges FCTA faces in dealing with developers; how developers are ripping subscribers off and what they are doing to bring discipline into the system. Excerpts:

What led to the demolition of Minanuel Estate?

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