The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has demolished structures around Jabi Motor Park in Abuja to reclaim Plot 82, Sector B16, for its owners to begin development under an approved building plan.
The exercise, carried out by the FCTA Development Control Department, affected traders and other business operators who relied on the area for their daily income.
Some of the affected occupants expressed concern over the disruption to their businesses and appealed to the administration to provide an alternative location where they could continue operating.
However, the FCTA defended the demolition, describing it as necessary to enforce approved land use, address illegal occupation and improve security around the area.
Speaking during the exercise, a Sector Monitor with the Development Control Department, Rilwan Tsoho Dangora, said the operation targeted Plot 82, Sector B16, following its alleged encroachment by occupants of Jabi Motor Park.
Dangora explained that Jabi Motor Park occupies Plot 187, which the approved land-use plan designates for an international motor and bus terminal. However, shops had occupied much of the property.
He said construction activities at the park forced some commercial transport operators, including bus and taxi drivers, to relocate to adjoining Plot 82. The operators subsequently began using the land as a motor park.
According to him, the two plots are separate parcels with different approved purposes. He dismissed claims that the demolished structures stood within the original Jabi Motor Park.
Dangora added that the owners of Plot 82 had secured approval for a multifunctional development and were ready to commence construction. This, he said, made the removal of existing structures and occupants necessary.
On the notice issued before the demolition, he said the department had engaged the occupants since last year. He added that officials served a final demolition notice the previous week.
Meanwhile, the Secretary of the FCT Command and Control Centre, Dr Peter Olumuji, said security personnel monitored the operation to prevent violence and maintain public order.
Olumuji said neighbouring communities, including Utako, had repeatedly raised concerns about insecurity in the area.
He explained that clearing the illegal structures would prevent criminal elements from using the location as a hideout.
Despite the administration’s explanation, affected traders said the exercise had disrupted their livelihoods and left them uncertain about their next steps.
One of the traders, Christopher John, said many people depended on businesses around the park to earn daily income and support their families.
He said the demolition had stopped their activities without providing a clear alternative location.
John argued that the occupants should have received sufficient time to move their goods and make arrangements before the exercise.
Similarly, Garba Musa, a member of the Jabi Park union, said the union leadership should have received adequate information ahead of the demolition.
He explained that proper communication would have allowed the leadership to notify members and help them prepare for the exercise.
Musa said some traders could not move their goods because they had nowhere to take them. He added that many had invested significant resources in their businesses.
He appealed to the FCTA to consider providing a temporary alternative location for affected traders and transport operators.
Another occupant, Joseph Okoye, acknowledged that notices had been issued but said many people remained unprepared for the timing and manner of the operation.
“We got the information yesterday, but we don’t know what happened,” he said.
The demolition has renewed concerns over the balance between enforcing approved land-use regulations and protecting the livelihoods of traders and transport operators operating around Jabi Motor Park.
While the FCTA maintains that the exercise was necessary to reclaim the land and improve security, affected occupants are asking the administration to provide a practical alternative for their businesses.
