The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has declared that people raising commercial buildings in residential areas in the nation’s capital will have to pull down the buildings or lose their licences.
There are concerns over the use of residential areas for commercial buildings, especially in the Gwarinpa area of the FCT.
Wike said he will have to step on toes if anything meaningful is to be achieved in the capital city, adding that ethnicity and religion are the major issues fighting development, especially in places like Abuja.
“For Gwarimpa, the FCT gave out the land to the Federal Housing Authority. So the land is under the Federal Housing Authority. However, we have the oversight function of making sure that development is in line with the master plan of the FCT.
“So it’s with that, that, as I came on board, we set up a committee to look at those places where the master plan has been distorted. If you’re supposed to build for residential purpose, and you convert it to commercial purpose, then you have to bring it down or you lose the certificate.
“But I’ll also say that in Nigeria so many people are afraid of making decisions. So many people are afraid of stepping on toes. But you cannot be a leader without stepping on toes. Then if you wait for when everybody will tell you they’re very happy, then you’re telling lies. What’s important is your conscience. Are you doing the right thing?” Wike said.
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