Demolition of N10bn Abuja Estate Causes Ripples

The demolition of a 500-unit housing estate in Abuja by the Development Control Department of the Federal Capital Development Administration is causing ripples and has pitted private developers against some government officials.

Officials of the FCTA and some members of the Senate Committee on the FCT allegedly stormed the Minanuel Estate, Lugbe Extension 1, along the Airport Road, to carry out the demolition allegedly under instructions from the Minister of the FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed.

The monumental loss to the developers and residents of the estate has set tongues wagging, with the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria and other stakeholders calling for the sacking of the minister and payment of adequate compensation to all those affected by the demolition.

The stakeholders on Wednesday expressed shock at the demolition of the estate, whose worth they put at about N10bn, while the developer is exploring the possibility of instituting a legal action against the FCDA.