To curb the increasing incidents of building collapse in Abuja, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has approved the formation of a ministerial committee for post-development audits of buildings across the capital city.
Chief Felix Amechi Obuah, Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), inaugurated the committee, who stated that the initiative aims to maintain accurate records of all development permits. This, he explained, will help minimize unauthorized developments, illegal land use conversions, and land-grabbing activities.
Obuah further highlighted that the committee will play a key role in tracking the consumption of city utilities—such as water, electricity, and sewer connections—while identifying illegal connections that deprive the government of revenue. Additionally, the committee’s work is expected to boost tax collection efforts by bringing all buildings under the FCT’s internal revenue net, potentially generating billions of naira.
According to Obuah, the data gathered will also support research on urban planning and management, positioning Abuja as a model for city planning and development.
The FCT minister’s decision to establish the committee aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Obuah said, emphasizing that the committee’s six-month mandate would enhance security and create employment opportunities through the involvement of consultants and experts.
“This committee is essential to the sustainable development of our city,” Obuah noted, expressing the FCT administration’s commitment to providing the necessary resources for its success. “Together, we will shape an evidence-based future for Abuja’s development and leave behind a sustainable city legacy for future generations.”
Committee Chairman TPL Mukhtar Galadima, who also serves as Director of the Department of Development Control, pledged that the committee members would carry out their tasks diligently. “This is a crucial responsibility, and we have the opportunity to make a lasting impact. We will not disappoint the AMMC Coordinator, the Honorable Minister, or the FCT Administration,” Galadima assured.