The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is implementing sweeping enforcement measures to restore order across Abuja, with plans to demolish the notorious Durumi district and the unprecedented revocation of all park licenses in the capital city.
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The dual-pronged approach, announced by Mukhtar Galadima, Director of Development Control, seeks to address security concerns and regulatory violations that have plagued the territory.
FCTA officials have identified Durumi district as a critical security challenge, with Galadima revealing that the area has become a haven for criminal elements operating under the guise of being Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). The administration has established a multi-agency approach to address what officials describe as a “multidimensional” problem affecting public safety.
“Durumi has been observed and noted as one of the black spots, problem areas where people have fears and challenges with regards to safety and security,” Galadima explained during the announcement. The planned demolition involves coordination between the Department of Development Control, the Refugee Commission, FCT Emergency Management Agency, police, and other security agencies.
A ministerial committee has been tasked with developing comprehensive strategies for the area, with the FCT Minister personally overseeing the security operation. “The FCT Minister is on top of the situation to ensure security of lives and property is improved in the FCT, so residents can move freely,” Galadima assured.
The administration plans to profile and remove criminal elements hiding in the area while working closely with security agencies to ensure resident safety during and after the enforcement action.
In a parallel enforcement action, the FCTA has revoked all park licenses throughout Abuja, requiring operators to resubmit documentation for thorough review and potential reallocation. The decision follows a detailed memo from the Directors of Parks and Recreation and Lands that documented widespread irregularities and non-compliance issues across park management operations.
According to Galadima, many parks have strayed far from their intended recreational purposes, with operators engaging in unauthorised activities that violate their allocation terms. The mass revocation affects all park operations regardless of their compliance status, requiring universal reapplication to ensure comprehensive oversight.
“All park allocations have been withdrawn following a series of violations, and the Minister is at liberty to do whatever he wants to do with land in the FCT, parks inclusive,” Galadima stated, dismissing suggestions that the action represents targeted enforcement.
The Director of Development Control stated that the FCT’s legal foundation demands strict adherence to established regulations. “The FCT is a creation of law, and lawlessness will not be tolerated. The development of the city is guided by law, and every operator must comply with the terms and conditions of their allocation,” he warned.
Park operators must now resubmit their documents to the Department of Parks and Recreation for comprehensive evaluation. Those who demonstrate compliance with necessary conditions may receive reallocations, but the process requires meeting all regulatory requirements.
“If they meet the terms and conditions, they can be reallocated. Owners of parks should respond to the call, submit their documents, and if they meet the requirements, they will return to their parks,” Galadima explained, outlining the pathway for operators to regain their licenses.
Officials stress that the measures aim to restore original purposes to public spaces while eliminating criminal activities that have compromised resident safety.
The ministerial committee reviewing park allocations has been specifically tasked with restoring the original recreational purpose of these facilities, ensuring they serve the community functions for which they were originally designated.
The FCTA has indicated that these measures are part of broader efforts to ensure the Federal Capital Territory operates according to its founding legal framework while maintaining the highest standards of security and regulatory compliance.
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