FCTA Threatens to Demolish Illegal Structures at Area 1 Shopping Complex 

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The Department of Development Control, FCT Administration (FCTA) has warned that all Illegal shops and other obstructions including wrong parkings, that make the popular Area 1 Shopping Complex, Abuja impassable to traffic, would be removed and the whole environment cleaned up to restore the complex to its old self.

The Director, FCTA Department of Development Control, Muktar Galadima, disclosed this after FCTA organs including, Security Service, the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), as well as the Abuja Investments Company Ltd, held a meeting with traders and owners of shops.

Galadima told the traders that the meeting with market managers was summoned to reach an understanding before they carried out the cleaning exercise. 

He said the congested nature of the market, coupled with its unhygienic and untidy conditions were harmful for any emergency, safety and health of the traders and customers.

He insisted that all the kebab sellers would be located under one roof, parking spaces inside the market would be removed, adding that they should have one source of energy, instead of littering the market with generating sets, causing noise pollution.

“If there is any fire outbreak in this market, it will be disastrous and rescue operations impossible. 

“As a government, we do not have to wait for that to happen before we take action. 

“Remember we were here last year to do some clean up, but this time, it is different. We are going to remove all the attachments, and create space inside the market for parking,” Galadima said. 

He sought support of all stakeholders of the market, hinting that the administration would make necessary arrangements to provide alternative shops for those who would be affected by the clean up. 

Speaking on behalf of the traders, Usman Utaru thanked the FCT Administration for thinking it wise to meet and inform them of the plans to remove illegal structures in the market.