Tag: FCDA

  • Palliatives: Tinubu directs FCDA to commence  emergency distribution of grains to FCT residents

    Palliatives: Tinubu directs FCDA to commence emergency distribution of grains to FCT residents

    … Mahmoud warns Area Council Chairmen against acts of sabotage

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    Barely four days after the looting of warehouses by angry FCT- residents , President Bola Tinubu has directed the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike to set machinery in motion towards ensuring the commencement of emergency distribution of grains to residents to ameliorate their living conditions.

    Tinubu who gave the directive in a memo addressed to the FCT Minister on Tuesday, instructed that a strategic Committee be constituted to ensure a transparent and equitable distribution of the grains to vulnerable Nigerians through the National Emergency Management Agency.

    According to the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud while announcing the constitution of the Committee on Wednesday at a maiden meeting with Area Council chairmen and other stakeholders, said that the committee has less than two weeks to carry out the presidential directive.

    The minister of State, who expressed disappointment with the area council chairmen for treating the invitation to the maiden strategic stakeholders meeting with levity, warned them against any act that will sabotage the good intention of the president towards the residents of the territory.

    Mahmoud listed members of the Committee to include: Chairmen of Area Councils, FCT Emergency Management Agency, Traditional Rulers, Department of State Service, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, Faith-based organizations, National Union of Local Government Employees, Nigeria Red Cross Society, Women Association, Persons with Disability Group, Youth Associations, Principal of Boarding Schools, Civil Society Organizations and the media.

  • Quite or face the law, FCDA issues a two- week warning to hoodlums living under bridge

    Quite or face the law, FCDA issues a two- week warning to hoodlums living under bridge

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The FCT Administration has issued a two-week warning to alleged hoodlums living under bridges to quit or face the wrath of the law.

    The Administration gave this warning as it vowed to take over the security space allegedly taken over by bandits and kidnappers in the FCT.

    The threat is coming two weeks weeks after men of the Abuja Environmental Sanitation Board visited and cleared slums and shanties occupied by some hoodlums and petty traders in and around Wuse District.

    The operation which was led by the Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of FCT on Environmental and Waste Management, Dr. Fred Akpakpo who warned that the administration may be compelled to apply force to restore sanity to the capital city.

    Speaking on damages on bridges as a result of fire works and cooking of Foods, the minister also frowned at the habit of living under bridges and expressed hope that the facilities will be subjected to integrity test.

    Some occupants in the prohibited areas appealed for government’s support and palliatives to enable them to vacate the area.

    It was gathered that some of the occupants have lived in the area for over 20 years, and so regular enforcement may be used by the administration to achieve its desired results.

  • Demolition: FCDA Arrest 19 Protesters Over Disrupt Of AMMC Activities

    Demolition: FCDA Arrest 19 Protesters Over Disrupt Of AMMC Activities

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Joint Task Force Team of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on City Sanitation, on Monday arrested 19 angry protesters who stormed the premises of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, in Wuse, Abuja to disrupt demolition exercise of the Mechanic Village in Kubwa.

    The Director of the department, Mr Mukhtar Galadima, disclosed to journalists that the workers in the building were going about their official assignments when the protesters besieged the premises.

    Galadima said that 19 of the protesters were arrested for the violent disruption of peace in the area.

    He said, “We were having a meeting in a conference hall when we heard some noises. We decided to come and see what was happening and I saw some people with protest placards.”

    “Some people were angry that Kubwa mechanic village where they owned shops were demolished by Federal Capital Development Control.”

    “But what proof do they have that they have allocations inside the area,” Galadima questioned.

    According to him, some of the sponsors of the protest built what they called a mechanic village inside someone’s property, adding that Development Control ordered the demolition of the village.

    The director who described the protest as thuggery noted that beyond building on illegal property, the action became necessary following a series of complaints of encroachment in the particular space by the rightful owners.

    “This is a breach of peace, and they should be prosecuted.”

    “We are also going to find out who among our officers gave out the area for the development of a mechanic village. The officers involved must be dealt with accordingly,” he said.

    Also speaking, the Secretary, FCTA’s Command and Control, Dr Peter Olumuji, said that the task force was out on enforcement duty when the distress call came in from development control over the protest.

    “We abandoned what we were doing and dash to the scene immediately and on getting here, we saw the protesters attempting to vandalise the premises, vehicles, and assault development control officers.”

    “We have been able to arrest 19 of them and will be taken to Utako Police Division for proper investigation and possible prosecution,” he added.

  • Wike@56: FCTA , FCDA  goes agog  to give FCT Minister Surprise Birthday Celebration

    Wike@56: FCTA , FCDA goes agog to give FCT Minister Surprise Birthday Celebration

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    In a frenzy mood gesture, the Management staff of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), went agog on Wednesday in a surprise birthday celebration for the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike who marked his 56th birthday today.

    Barr. Nyesom Wike, who was taken aback by the unexpected celebration, expressed profound appreciation and gratitude to all who dedicated their time and efforts to put the surprise birthday celebration in less than 12 hours.

    The surprise birthday party, organized by the Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, involved active participation from Mandate Secretaries, top government officials, and the FCT Minister’s Press Corps with esctatic traditional dance gyration by th FCT Cultural Troupe.

    The traditional dance troupe amid their dance steps showering praises on Wike leading up to the ceremonial cutting of the birthday cake.

    Filled with genuine gratitude, Barr. Nyesom Wike extended his thanks to everyone who played a role in making the surprise celebration a remarkable success.

    The event was a testament to the camaraderie and appreciation within the FCTA and FCDA management for their esteemed leader and Minister.

  • 31 Retired FCDA Directors Earned Outstanding Service Honour

    31 Retired FCDA Directors Earned Outstanding Service Honour

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, has honoured at least 31 retired Directors from 1st April to 30th June 2023, for their outstanding contributions to the Administration.

    The retired Directors are from the Federal Capital Territory Administration and the Federal Capital Development Authority, respectively.

    The FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, during the ceremony stated that their dedication and leadership have left an indelible mark on the Administration in particular and the territory in general.

    The minister called on those who are still in service to emulate the legacy of excellence they have left behind, just as she prayed that their well-earned retirement be filled with joy, relaxation, and new adventures.

    Dr. Mahoud said, “I have been informed that throughout their tenure, these Directors steered our ship through challenges, inspired teams, and played a pivotal role in our success.”

    “Their wisdom and experience have been the guiding force behind many achievements recorded today. These Directors have been mentors, friends, and pillars of support to many of us who are still in service.”

    “I can boldly say that their impact extends beyond boardrooms, as these persons we celebrate today have helped in shaping the very fabric of the FCT Administration and beyond.”

    While expressing gratitude for their unwavering commitments and commendable leadership, Mahmoud assured that the FCT Administration would continue to call on them for professional guidance.

    “Though they may be retiring from official roles, their influence will endure,” she affirmed.

    The FCTA Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olusade Adesola, commended them for bowing out of service unblemished, noting that their conduct would be emulated by those still in service.

    Adesola said, “For us to end like them, it is incumbent on us to continue discharging our duties in line with the extant laws and in accordance with the dictates of the Civil Service Rules, the ethics of the Service, as well as global best practices.”

    He, therefore, charged those in service to make hard work, integrity, honesty, loyalty, incorruptibility and professionalism be their watch word as they continue in the delivery of excellent service and infrastructure to the public.

    The Ag. Director Reform Coordination and Service Improvement, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, who spoke on behalf of the planning committee, noted that the retired Directors have devoted themselves to upholding the values and mission of the Administration, demonstrating unwavering commitment and leadership throughout their distinguished careers. 

    She further noted that their hard work and guidance have undeniably left an indelible mark and have helped shape the Administration into what it is today.

    The high point of the event was the presentation of gift items to deserving directors for their outstanding performance by the FCT Minister of State.

  • Wike Gives ES FCDA 24hrs ultimatum to Explain Status of National Mosque Land

    Wike Gives ES FCDA 24hrs ultimatum to Explain Status of National Mosque Land

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Federal Capital Territory ( FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike has given a 24 hours ultimatum to the Executive Secretary, Ebgr.Shehu Ahmed Hadi, to explain the position of the national Mosque and what the compensation plan is meant for it.

    Woke made this demand when he received members of the Abuja National Mosque Management Committee, led by its Chairman, the Etsu of Nupe, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, to debunk reports making rounds, that his administration in Abuja was promoting policies that are against certain religious Alignments.

    “I want to start from what I was told that I instructed the demolition of a Mosque in Rivers State when I was a governor. I want you to know that in politics, people will use many things to fight their opponents.”

    “The Emir of Sokoto is one person I have high regards for, I don’t just see him as an elder brother but like a father. Anything that has to do with the national Mosque, which he is the president, I will always give it support.”

    You said Obasanjo lunched the appeal fund for the support of the renovation of the national Mosque. No government will not support the management of the national Monument. We have a role to ensure that worship centers are well taken care of, he assured.

    The Minister noted that those trying to whip religious sentiment, were mischievously doing so , just to score some cheap political points.

    “We are not targeting any religious group or ethnicity, we are doing what we can for the good of all FCT residents and Nigerians at large.”

    “Don’t allow politicians who do not have the capacity to face me in any way to use religion as a weapon against me.”

    Wike stated that as a Nigerian, he has no reason to instigate hate speech against any religious groups, but to support any that has a genuine cause.

    While assuring that FCT will not hesitate to support the maintenance of the National Mosque, or the National Ecumenical Center, having been declared as a national monument.

    He also called on religious leaders to preach National unity and peaceful coexistence.

    He, however, promised the continued maintenance of the Mosque, adding, ” if we do not surpass whatsoever you have being receiving , we are going to continue doing it.

    Furthermore, while reacting to an allegation that he intends stopping cows from grazing in Abuja, the Minister said”Cows should not feed in the city center where there are only flowers but outside the city center where you have grasses to eat.”

    I am here as the minister of FCT for everybody, religious group and ethnicity. We may not like change but change is inevitable, he stressed.

    Earlier in his remarks, the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya urged the Minister to support the maintenance project of the National Mosque, which he said had been stopped for some time now.

    He also pleaded with the Minister to grant the Committee more time to develop plots of land allocated to it by FCTA.

  • Contracts Variation, Inflation Allegations Is Malicious Falsehood- FCDA/FCTA

    Contracts Variation, Inflation Allegations Is Malicious Falsehood- FCDA/FCTA

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The FCTA, FCTA has refuted recent allegations trending a Social media post about alleged illegal variations and inflation of some contracts awarded by the FCTA/FCDA as malicious falsehood against the Administration.

    The Administration condemned the report allegations by the social media as false and misleading the public.

    Accordingly, credible sources provided by the Administration proved that the at no time was such inflated contract given to anyone.

    The false allegations refering to Gaduwa Project presumed to be an Emergency Rehabilitation/ Improvement of Access Road to Nigeria Center for Disease Control Laboratory in Gaduwa District, the Administration said is totally false.

    The administration stated that the contract was awarded to M/s CBC Global Civil & Building Construction Company Nigeria Limited at the sum of N2,493,389,942.88. It was an emergency contract due to the Covid-19 Pandemic and the need to quickly access the facilities for testing and treatment of infected persons.

    “The scope of work comprises, Roadworks, Surface Water Drainage, Culverts, and River Training. It is 2.4km long asphalt concrete road.”

    “The project was completed on schedule and payment made in full, .therefore the assertions of the author is therefore false.”

    Concerning contracts awarded at 10 Billion Naira and later jacked up to N119 billion, no such contract exists, FCDA said it is false.

    “Awarded Contract of N50 Billion later jacked up to N200 Billion” , FCTA/FCDA sources say this is strange to them and believed to be the figment of the imagination of the writer.

    The Administration maintains that the falsehood is that at no time was the contracts awarded at 10 Billion Naira and later jacked up to N119 billion, no such contract exists in FCDA.

    “Awarded Contract of N50 Billion was later jacked up to N200 Billion”, FCTA/FCDA sources say this is strange to them and believed to be the figment of the imagination of the writer.”

    “Award of contract of N6 Billion and later jacked up to N70 Billion”, sources in the FCTA/FCDA also revealed that they do not have such contract.

    “Awarded Emergency Maintenance of Usman Dam at the cost of N9 Billion and paid in full without any BOQ and so many procurement infractions”.

    There are no contracts awarded at 10 Billion Naira and later jacked up to N119 billion, no such contract exists, FCDA said.

    “Awarded Contract of N50 Billion later jacked up to N200 Billion”, this is false, FCTA/FCDA insists that this is strange to them and believed to be the figment of the imagination of the writer.

    ” FCTA/ FCTA revealed that they never awarded a contract of N6 Billion and later jacked up to N70 Billion.”

    The nature of works at the site demands emergency attention since it can result to disruption of water supply to the city.
    The Electromechanical components required will have to be imported, so the procurement process is ongoing.
    “But as we speak, there is no payment yet on the works”, FCDA/ FCTA emphasized.

    “Left debt of over N1.2 Trillion to FCT without anything to show” the administration revealed that such debts owed contractors working for the FCT Administration were debts accruing over a period of more than 20 years, spanning through several administrations and not wholly incurred during the last administration.

    Furthermore, “Approval of green areas to residential houses and Converting Residential Houses in Wuse 2, Maitama Gana Street, Garki into Commercial in contrary to the Abuja Master Plan”.
    FCT / FCDA confirmed that at no time was the Master Plan abused or jestitioned.

  • FCDA Arrests 24 Defaulting Vehicle Owners

    FCDA Arrests 24 Defaulting Vehicle Owners

    …Says there’s no end to arrest of environmental violators

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration ( FCTA) has impounded and arrested 24 vehicle owners and 7 motorcycle operators for defaulting various offenses in different motor parks in Abuja over the weekend.

    This is as the Administration said there is no end to arresting of violators of extant rules and regulations in Abuja motor parks.

    Head of Operations, FCTA  Directorate of Road Traffic Services ( DRTS), Deborah Osho, who led a combined team of task force officers on enforcement operations, said all relevant agencies have resolved to strengthen attacks against all forms of nuisance in the city.

    Osho disclosed that since taxi and other vehicle operators have refused to comply with rules, enforcement team, will also not relent in haunting and prosecuting them.

    ” Today’s operation is all about the cleanup of the city. As you can see, this is the popular Garki Market which we have just cleared off nuisances, ranging t illegal car parks . This operation commenced from Area 1, 3, Apo Bridge, and now we have extended it to Garki market areas. We want to ensure that there is free flow of traffic. 

    ” The owners of the vehicles we have impounded for various offenses will face a mobile court. The vehicles that are not roadworthy, will have to be fixed. The judges at the Mobile Court will also determine their fine. We have impounded about 24 vehicles, and 7 bikes.

    Speaking on the environmental component of the operations, Deputy Director, Monitoring and Enforcement, Abuja Environmental Protection Board ( AEPB), Kaka Bello said the areas raided were places where human activities have continued to constitute nuisances. 

    Bello noted that the intensified fight by the city enforcers against defaulters, was to ensure that a Abuja remain a city of pride.

    He stated that environmental sanitation exercise was required daily, noting that a little slack would be counterproductive.

    ” We are committed to removal of all sorts of nuisance from the city, especially those that have a negative impact on the environment. The environmental cleaning has to be done daily”, Bello said.

  • FCDA Storms Gishiri Village To Reclaim, Uproot Illegal Development On Allotted Plots

    FCDA Storms Gishiri Village To Reclaim, Uproot Illegal Development On Allotted Plots

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) yesterday stormed Gishiri village within Katampe District to uproot hundreds of illegal developments and extensions in a continuation to reclaim encroached plots for the legal owners to take possession.

    The exercise which was carried out by officials of the Development Control Department of the FCTA, accompanied by joint security personnel arrived the area with two bulldozers, and pulled down the illegal structures erected on allottees plots and right of ways, for residential and commercial, including educational and religious purposes.

    Some of those affected lamented that they just finished paying their rent barely one week ago, while others said their landlords were pestering them to pay their rent before their residences were pulled down.

    However, since FCDA has being encouraging landowners to take possession of their plots , it was noticed that some allottees of the legally allocated plots have started erecting perimeter fences round their respective plots.

    Speaking to Journalists, the District Monitor of Katampe and Mabushi Districts of the FCT, Town Planner, Samson Atureta said that the exercise has been ongoing as the extensions are actually on people’s legally allocated plots in the area.

    Atureta said, “There are so many illegal developments and the village extensions, that’s why we had to clear them because these extensions are actually on people’s legally allocated plots.”

    “So, what we are doing here is to ensure that all those developments that are village extensions are removed, even as we are trying to be careful not to tamper with the houses where indigenes are living in.”

    “Government might take time, because of procedures, eventually they will get there. So, today is one of those days that they are here. We can’t help it as these extensions have to go, to allow the legal owners to take possession of ideally allocated plots.”

    He explained that the people were duly notified before the exercise.

    Yes, as the District Monitor, I have gotten approval to remove Gishiri more than a year ago, but we were just waiting for the logistics. And we finally got greenlight that we are going to do it, I met the Director, Development Control that he should permit me to give them another notice. So we just gave final notice, a week before we really started the removal exercise, he said.

    Speaking on the number of structures removed so far, he said: “They are in hundreds, as we can’t really give the actual number now, even though our site officials are working on it so that we will be able to give proper numbering of houses we have removed. We are counting as we remove them, but I dare say that we have removed hundreds, if not a thousand.

    “We started about a month or two ago, but because we didn’t have logistics including the security backing, so we have to really arrange for them to come. This is the fourth time we are coming here for the exercise.”

    An affected person, Mama Blessing, who runs a drinking joint and resides in the area, lamented, “Even though that we know that they will come and do something like this, at least they would have given us enough time to leave and relocate to another place.”

    “The suffering is too much, I am still looking for a place to relocate, but my appeal to the government is that they should help us relocate to another area.

    We are not rejecting the demolition exercise as we knew that it is government land. But please let them give some more time, because to suddenly quit is not easy especially when we don’t have another place to go to, they pleaded.

  • FCDA Declares Trademore Estate Flood Disaster Area

    FCDA Declares Trademore Estate Flood Disaster Area

    …Vows to take action against destruction

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The popular TradeMore Estate along the Airport Road has been declared a disaster Area following incessant flooding resulting in destruction, loss of lives and property.

    The Permanent Secretary of the FCTA, Mr Olusola Adesola made this declaration today when he led some officials on a visit to TradeMore area to ascertain the level of destruction and degradation caused by flood in recent times.
    Speaking to Journalists during visits to some devastated area, Adesola noted the flooding incident at the TradeMore Estate was among issues reviewed at the FCT Monthly Security Committee meeting to find solutions to mitigate property damage and casualty in the flood prone area in FCT.

    According to him, the Committee decided to visit the flood affected areas, in order to have a first hand information on the extent of the flood, and to be able to proffer appropriate solutions to address them.

    “We just visited Trademore to see the developmental challenges occasioned by the nature of the drainage constructed against water across the roads in the area.”

    “We have seen the need to look into this urgently. and we were quite amazed at the level of flooding that occurred there- at Trademore Estate.”

    ” More particularly is the risk that people took – to build in such a low level plain. While on the road, we saw that even the roof of the houses were bellow the road level, which makes them vulnerable to flooding.”

    The Permanent Secretary said that the taskforce will swiftly swing into action to arrive at recommendations on urgent actions that must be given to the area, adding, ” we cannot fold our hands and allow the destruction to continue.”

    However, he noted that just after only two days after the flood, people have returned to some of the properties.

    “This doesn’t show regards for human lives, so in a couple of days, we will be taking appropriate action. Having seen the extent of the flooding, we hereby declare the Trademore Estate area a disaster zone that needs immediate action to remedy further damages and lost of lives and properties.”

    The Chairman of the FCDA Taskforce on Flood Mitigation in FCT, the CP and other officials of the FCTA particularly FEMA, Development Control, AEPB are now ready to go and evolve solutions that would immediately address the menace, he disclosed.

    “For the rest of the year, rain predictions show that there might still be more heavy rains, which means that there could be damages and casualty.”

    “The FCTA will do everything possible within its power to ensure that we mitigate such occurrence. ”

    Adesola urged residents to exercise restraints in the places where they run to, so that they don’t run into where they would trapped.

    So we will look at a programme of evacuating people from those areas, so as to ensure that we prevent the loss of lives and property, he promised.