Barr. Festus Adebayo, the Executive Director of the Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN), has made an urgent appeal to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, to rethink the ongoing demolition of housing estates in Abuja. Advocating for a more sustainable urban management approach, Adebayo suggests a strategy of confiscation and repurposing properties to meet essential housing needs rather than outright demolition.
Speaking to journalists at a demolition site in Lugbe, Adebayo expressed concern over the economic implications of demolishing valuable assets, stating, “Demolishing entire estates is a colossal waste, especially in the current economy.” He emphasized the importance of exploring alternative strategies that could retain and repurpose these properties for the benefit of society.
Adebayo criticized FCT officials for allowing such developments to proliferate through fake approvals and permits, calling for accountability and sanctions against those responsible. He proposed that confiscated properties could be transformed into essential housing for key workers, such as doctors, journalists, and public servants, highlighting the need for practical solutions in light of potential barriers to this approach.
“Rather than tearing down these estates, we should consider transforming them into workforce housing estates,” he suggested, referencing government projects like the judges’ estate as a viable model.
Additionally, Adebayo called for an investigation into the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) site officers who permitted these developments, questioning the transparency and accountability of land management in Abuja. “If the developers have lost their estates, those site officers who allowed the buildings to reach that level must also be punished,” he stated.
He also stressed the necessity for a unified city plan and urged the release of the Phase Five Abuja City Development Plan, which has been pending, as a crucial step to prevent future unauthorized development projects.