In what appeared as punishment for flouting the stop work order on the building that collapsed last Friday in the Jikwoyi area of the nation’s capital, Abuja, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, yesterday, ordered the immediate arrest and seizure of the plot of land where the multi-storey hotel building was built.
In a stern warning to developers, Wike, who conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the site, said the structure was built without approval from the FCT Department of Development Control.
The collapse, he said, occurred after the developer had repeatedly ignored “stop-work” notices issued by the Department of Development Control.
“Despite the lack of formal approval, the company proceeded with construction, leading to the eventual structural failure.
“There was no approval for the construction of this building,” the Minister said during the site visit.
“Development Control had issued stop work notices, but the company ignored the notices and continued regardless,” he stated.
The minister, who disclosed that although no fatality was recorded, but some persons sustained injuries and were taken to hospital, noted that the outcome could have been more severe.
He announced that the FCT Administration would take over the land for public use, adding that those responsible for the illegal construction would face prosecution in accordance with the law.
The Minister said the local community will be consulted to determine a suitable public-purpose project to be built on the reclaimed land.
Wike emphasised the need for strict compliance with building regulations, stressing that obtaining approval allows authorities to monitor construction standards and ensure the use of appropriate materials.
He directed relevant agencies to strengthen enforcement measures, including the demolition of structures built without approval, in order to prevent future incidents.
“It is important that we act decisively. Where there is clear violation, the law must take its course,” he said.
He reiterated the administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging developers to adhere strictly to laid-down procedures to avoid sanctions.
He emphasized that the government’s primary concern was the safety of lives, noting that buildings constructed without supervision often utilize sub-standard materials.
The minister, who disclosed that although no fatality was recorded, but some persons sustained injuries and were taken to hospital, noted that the outcome could have been more severe.
The Minister said the local community will be consulted to determine a suitable public-purpose project to be built on the reclaimed land.
Wike emphasised the need for strict compliance with building regulations, stressing that obtaining approval allows authorities to monitor construction standards and ensure the use of appropriate materials.
He directed relevant agencies to strengthen enforcement measures, including the demolition of structures built without approval, in order to prevent future incidents.
“It is important that we act decisively. Where there is clear violation, the law must take its course,” he said.
He reiterated the administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging developers to adhere strictly to laid-down procedures to avoid sanctions.
He emphasized that the government’s primary concern was the safety of lives, noting that buildings constructed without supervision often utilize sub-standard materials.
