Tpl Mukhtar Galadima, the long-serving Director of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Department of Development Control, has retired from service after more than three decades of overseeing development enforcement in Abuja.

Galadima, widely known as the head of the FCT demolition task force, said he was leaving with gratitude and fulfilment.

He joined the FCT Administration in December 1992 as a young Higher Technical Officer and rose through the ranks to lead the country’s most sensitive urban control directorate.

‘I Never Imagined Becoming a Director’

He said his rise in the system was shaped by mentorship, teamwork, and a deep commitment to defending the Abuja Master Plan.
According to him, several reforms implemented under his leadership succeeded because staff members participated fully in shaping them.

Key Reforms During His Tenure

Galadima listed some of the reforms that transformed the department:

• Digitisation of building approval processes
• Introduction of post-development audits
• Decentralisation of area offices
• Upcoming electronic vetting of building plans

He said the goal has always been to shorten approval timelines, strengthen monitoring, and ensure compliance with the Abuja Master Plan.

‘Awareness Is Our Strongest Tool’

Speaking on the tension between rapid urban growth and strict compliance, Galadima said public awareness remains central to enforcement.
Residents, he noted, often alert officials to illegal developments, while department teams work round the clock to ensure enforcement keeps pace with the city’s expansion.

Protecting Abuja’s Future

Galadima expressed hope that the next generation of officers would continue to defend the integrity of the Abuja Master Plan.
He said shared responsibility between government, residents, developers, and regulators remains the only path to sustainable urban development.

The post Galadima, FCT Demolition Chief, Retires After 30 Years of Service appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has explained why he visited a disputed parcel of land in Gaduwa District, Abuja — a move that triggered a confrontation between him and a naval officer attached to former Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice-Admiral Awwal Gambo.

Speaking before the FCT Executive Council meeting, Wike said he acted because senior officials of the FCT Administration were allegedly assaulted on the site.

“How can I sit as minister when government directors are being attacked?” he asked, insisting his presence was necessary to address the situation.

A video circulating online showed bulldozers believed to have been deployed to stop ongoing construction being moved out of the area.
Wike accused Vice-Admiral Gambo of “impunity,” and condemned comments allegedly made by Navy Lieutenant A.M. Yerima, who reportedly referred to accompanying police officers as “bloody police.”

The minister insisted no security personnel has the right to intimidate government officials or disregard lawful processes.

He clarified that FCTA had always dealt with the military institutionally through the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, or the President when land disputes arise — not through confrontation.

Wike added that some former leaders, including ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo and retired General T.Y. Danjuma, had shown humility by contacting him directly whenever land issues surfaced.

According to him, the Gambo land controversy had been exaggerated by those trying to portray him as being at odds with the military. He urged the media to report issues accurately and cautioned Nigerians against violating land-use laws.

The minister warned that individuals who convert agricultural lands into residential or commercial developments without approval would face sanctions.

“As long as I remain FCT Minister, the law will take its course. Abuja must reflect order, discipline and proper planning,” he said, vowing continuous enforcement against illegal developments and land grabbing.

The post Why I Visited Disputed Abuja Land — Wike appeared first on Housing TV Africa.