Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has threatened to demolish illegal buildings in the city, but is that a major concern for residents?

Development Diaries reports that Wike and 44 other ministers-designate of President Bola Tinubu took their oaths of office on Monday in Abuja.

In his inaugural press briefing as a minister, Wike pledged to restore the city’s master plan, vowing to demolish illegal buildings.

The FCT is faced with challenges tied to infrastructure, transportation, security and administration of the city and the satellite towns.

For example, traffic lights barely work, urban mass transit has been nonexistent, and the number of slums keeps growing.

Also, despite being the headquarters of Nigeria’s security agencies, Abuja has remained a place of security concerns. A 2021 report by European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) revealed that a rise in kidnappings/abductions has been noted in Abuja since 2019.

There have been kidnappings around the satellite towns and villages, with hoodlums and criminals making safe shelters in the dark corners surrounding the city centre.

A 2020 SBM Intelligence report also highlighted the rate at which insecurity has worsened in the territory, as drivers are frequently robbed at nighttime traffic light stops, and the popular ‘one chance’ taxi drivers taking advantage of the absence of adequate mass transit to rob people.

Another issue of concern is the increase of slums within the city. The slums are also a sign of ongoing issues relating to a shortage of affordable homes, artificially raised rents, and an inefficient mortgage system.

Although the minister’s move to restore the master plan of the FCT is not out of place, he should also consider affordable housing in the city and move to address the concerns of the original inhabitants of the city.

The minister should work towards an inclusive, resilient and sustainable development pathway.

Development Diaries, therefore, calls on Wike to meet with all stakeholders, including the original inhabitants of the city, to understand their concerns with a view to developing a people-centred policy and programme.

Photo source: Jeff Attaway