Why we changed approach in demolition of illegal structures – FCT Minister

7 years ago

Why we changed approach in demolition of illegal structures – FCT Minister

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, has said that the FCT Administration has adopted a new approach to the removal of illegal structures in Abuja to give the exercise a human face.
The Minister stated this while receiving a delegation from the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, led by its Executive Secretary, Professor Bem Angwe, that paid him a working visit in his office at Area 11, Garki I District, Abuja.

He explained that the FCT Administration abandoned its previous style of demolishing illegal structures in the FCT to enable affected residents salvage any useful material in the process.

Malam Bello remarked that the owners of such property are duly carried along in the process and allowing them to carry out the exercise to enable them retrieve some useful materials that can be taken away, thereby reducing the pain.

He noted that the approach has really paid off because it has encouraged understanding and reduced lots of friction.

The Minister described the Commission as reputable organization because the institution tells people when they are wrong; irrespective of who they are.

He further described the Human Rights Commission as an institution of government that gives hope to the people that whatever happens, they have recourse and their voice will be heard.

Bello recalled an incident where the FCT Development Control Department was dragged to the Commission in the course of enforcing Development Control laws, and the Commission agreed that although the Department was on the right side of the law, it needed to apply more human face and make sure Nigerians appreciate why they are taking those actions.

His words: “That for me was an eye opener and since then, I have insisted that whatever we do, it’s very important that we do a lot of advocacy and explanation to the people. Even if there is going to be demolition or relocation of people, there is a clear instruction now that no more destruction; give people reasonable time and notice and also encourage them to do the dismantling by themselves.

“That way, you reduce tension and more importantly, you allow them to salvage what has economic value. That’s what we have been doing and it has worked.”

According to him, “several places we go now, we show them the law, tell them their infringement and we say to them, we will not come and remove anything. You do it yourself; salvage what can be salvaged and at the end of the day, everybody is the better off for it. You are able to not waste things that ordinarily could have been used elsewhere”.

The Minister however expressed concern over the lingering Wuye Market controversy; saying that the Administration desires to have a city that is vibrant with economic activities and the attendant employment opportunities it could provide.

He said, “Economic activities bring about employment; it raises business transactions and overall welfare of the people. So, each time facilities are built and developed and they are not put to use due to some sort of impediments, everybody loses out. Even though the matter is in the courts, I do hope that all the parties involved will show understanding on the matter”.

Malam Bello also urged the NHRC to do more in terms of enlightenment of FCT residents on the need to be law abiding and to carry out their activities in a manner as to not infringe on the rights of other residents of the Territory.

Speaking earlier, the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the National Human Rights Commission, Professor Bem Angwe said that the National Human Rights Commission is one of the best legacies of military rule in Nigeria.

The Executive Secretary promised to continue partnering with the FCT Administration in the overall interest of Nigerians, particularly those residing in the Federal Capital Territory.