The FCT Minister Will Demolish Your House For Making These Mistakes

Living in Abuja comes with its fair share of responsibilities, especially when it comes to owning property. 

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is renowned for its strict urban planning and development regulations. This is to ensure that the city maintain its aesthetic and functional appeal. 

However, with these rules in place, as a property owner, you must tread carefully to avoid costly mistakes. These mistakes can lead to the demolition of your house or business in the FCT, Abuja. 

For context, when Mr. Nyesom Wike was appointed as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, he brought with him a focus on urban development. 

In addition, Wike’s tenure as the governor of Rivers State was marked by aggressive infrastructure development and strict enforcement of laws. Abuja residents are already witnessing these traits firsthand. 

As Wike sets his sights on restoring the original Abuja Master Plan, it’s essential to understand the kinds of mistakes that could put your property at risk of demolition and avoidable court cases.

This blog post highlights the critical errors that can put your property at risk under the current FCT administration. You will discover invaluable information and all you need to ensure your investment remains safe and compliant. The demolition exercise in the FCT will affect your house if you do any of the following:

1. Building Without Proper Approval

One of the most common reasons for demolition in Abuja is constructing a building without obtaining the necessary approvals from the relevant authorities. 

The FCT Administration has strict guidelines on land use and building codes. This is to ensure that the city develops in an orderly and planned manner. If you build any structure without the proper permits in the FCT, it is considered illegal and such house will be subject to demolition.

The message from Minister Wike is that illegal structures, especially those that encroach on public spaces or obstruct roadways, will go down. 

Even if your building is fully constructed, it could still be at risk if it was erected without the necessary approvals.

Also Read:

• Why You Should Buy Land in Abuja as a Young Investor
• What to Do Before You Purchase Any Property in Abuja
• How to Verify If a Land is Genuine in Abuja Before Paying

2. Encroaching on Public Land

Another serious mistake that could result in the demolition of your property is encroaching on public land. 

This includes building green areas, parks, or other spaces designated for public use. The Abuja Master Plan includes specific areas reserved for public amenities, and any encroachment on these lands is seen as a violation of the city’s development plan.

Wike has emphasized the importance of restoring the Abuja Master Plan, and part of this effort involves reclaiming public lands that have been illegally occupied. 

If your property is found to be encroaching on such lands, it could be marked for demolition, regardless of how long it has been there.

3. Violating Zoning Laws

Zoning laws in Abuja dictate what types of buildings can be constructed in different areas of the city. For example, some zones are designated for residential use, while others are reserved for commercial or industrial purposes. 

Building a commercial property in a residential zone, or vice versa, is a violation of these laws and could result in demolition.

The FCT administration is taking zoning violations seriously as part of its efforts to bring order to the city’s development. If your property is found to violate zoning laws, it may be demolished to ensure compliance with the city’s overall plan.

4. Ignoring Stop-Work Orders

When the FCT Development Control Department issues a stop-work order on a construction site, it is crucial to comply immediately. 

Ignoring such orders and continuing construction could lead to severe consequences, including the demolition of the entire structure. 

Stop-work orders are typically issued when a building is found to violate building codes or other regulations.

Under Wike’s leadership, enforcement of stop-work orders has become more stringent. 

Continuing construction after receiving a stop-work order is seen as a blatant disregard for the law, and the authorities are likely to take action to rectify the situation, which could include demolishing the structure in question.

5. Constructing on Flood-Prone or Environmentally Sensitive Areas

Building on flood-prone or environmentally sensitive areas is not only risky but also illegal under Abuja’s development regulations. Such constructions are often targeted for demolition because they pose a danger to both the residents and the environment. 

Structures built in these areas can block natural waterways, leading to flooding and other environmental hazards. The FCT Minister has shown a strong commitment to protecting the environment and preventing disasters. 

As part of this commitment, buildings constructed in flood-prone or environmentally sensitive areas are likely to be demolished to prevent future catastrophes.

6. Ignoring Building Setback Requirements

Building setback requirements are designed to ensure that structures are built a safe distance away from roads, property lines, and other buildings. 

These requirements are in place to promote safety, privacy, and aesthetic harmony in the city’s development. Ignoring setback regulations in the FCT can result in your house being deemed illegal, making it a target for demolition.

The FCT administration is keen on ensuring that all buildings in Abuja comply with setback requirements, and any structure found in violation may be demolished to restore order to the city’s development landscape.

7. Failure to Regularize Property Documents

If you have not regularized your property documents, you could be at risk of losing your property. 

Regularization involves ensuring that all your property documents, such as Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) and building permits, are up to date and in order. 

Failure to do so could lead to your property being classified as illegal, making it a candidate for demolition.

The FCT Minister has reiterated the importance of property owners regularizing their documents to avoid complications. Ensuring that all paperwork is in order is a critical step in safeguarding your property from demolition.

Also Read:

• How Land Scams Work in Abuja
• Money Saving Guide for Your First Real Estate Investment in Abuja
• 10 Frequently Asked Questions By First-Time Real Estate Investors in Abuja

Conclusion

The goal of the current FCT administration, under Minister Nyesom Wike, is to restore the Abuja Master Plan. His plan is to ensure that the city develops in a planned and orderly manner. 

This has led to increased enforcement of building regulations and a crackdown on illegal structures. 

To avoid the risk of demolition, property owners in Abuja must comply with all relevant laws. You must obtain all the necessary approvals, and ensure that you construct your buildings following the city’s development guidelines.

If you are careful enough to avoid these common mistakes, you can protect your property and contribute to the orderly development of Abuja. This way, you help to make the city a better place for everyone.

Dear investor, don’t be a victim of land scam in Abuja when a genuine real estate company. Reach out to me on +2348033352126 or click on this phone number to send me a WhatsApp message, +2348033352126