Akinlabi Emmanuel
The Department of Development Control under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has initiated the demolition of more than 500 illegal structures at the renowned Karmo market in Abuja.
During the operation on Wednesday, Mr. Mukhtar Galadima, the department’s director, clarified that the demolition was carried out following the expiration of the 24-hour notices issued to the traders.
Earlier in the week, the department had served 24-hour demolition notices to operators of the illegal markets and shanties along the Karmo – Dei-Dei road corridor.
Representing Mr. Galadima during the exercise, Mr. Garba Jibril, an Assistant Director and Sector Monitor overseeing Karmo and other districts, affirmed that the demolition was conducted in accordance with due process.
He emphasized that the operators and owners of the illegal structures had been duly informed and given adequate time to remove their belongings.
Mr. Jibril further clarified that the demolition was deemed necessary due to the significant traffic congestion experienced along the road corridor, particularly on market days.
“It is a known fact that people spend hours just to pass through the road, particularly during market days.
“To address the challenge, the Minister of FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike had directed that all illegal structures, shanties, and informal markets along the road corridor should be demolished and removed.
“This will allow free flow of traffic on the road corridor and make life easy for the road users,” he said.
He advised the affected traders to relocate to the fully built and equipped market in the area, adding that the market operators have agreed to allow the affected traders to occupy a shop free for one year before paying any rent at a subsidized rate, including other incentives.
