Renowned public affairs analyst and Senior Lecturer at Veritas University Abuja, Dr. Patrick Pillah, has called on the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) under Honourable Minister Nyesom Wike to take a more humane approach when addressing urban planning violations, urging that demolition should be a last resort.
Speaking on Trust TV’s segment on land use, Dr. Pillah, an accomplished academic with over forty articles in international journals, critiqued the recent demolitions in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). While acknowledging that demolitions may sometimes be a “necessary evil,” he questioned their timing, execution, and the negative impact on vulnerable communities.
The author of the book Land Policy Administration and Development highlighted that the demolitions have exacerbated the housing crisis and displaced many residents. He emphasized the need for a balance between urban planning and the protection of citizens’ rights.
“The Land Use Act of 1978 and the FCT Act of 1976 clearly outline mechanisms for land allocation and revocation. However, the absence of a functioning Land Use and Allocation Committee has left unchecked powers in the hands of the minister,” Dr. Pillah stated, urging for the immediate establishment of such a committee to ensure inclusivity and fairness in land administration decisions.
Dr. Pillah also criticized past and present administrations for failing to adequately enforce the FCT Master Plan, pointing out that the influx of people into Abuja, due to national insecurity, has overwhelmed the city’s infrastructure. “This, combined with poor planning, has led to unregulated developments,” he explained.
To address these issues, Dr. Pillah advocated for the development of satellite towns such as Karshi and Nyanya, which he believes could ease congestion in the city center. He emphasized that if these areas were properly developed with accessible transportation systems, many residents would prefer to live there.
On the issue of illegal structures, Dr. Pillah blamed both residents and government agencies for their negligence. He called on residents to ensure proper documentation of their properties while urging government agencies to enforce regulations consistently.
Dr. Pillah concluded by calling on the FCTA to prioritize dialogue, education, and planning over demolition. “Demolition should never be the first step. A well-implemented urban planning policy can preserve the city’s integrity without displacing its people,” he said.
His comments have sparked renewed discussions on the need for comprehensive urban development policies in Nigeria’s capital.
