In an effort to tackle the issue of building collapses and promote sustainable urban development, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Barr. Nyesom Wike has approved the formation of a Ministerial Committee on Post-Development Audit of Buildings in Abuja.
The committee, chaired by TPL Mukhtar Galadima, Director of the Department of Development Control, was inaugurated by the Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), Chief Felix Amechi Obuah.
The primary mandate of the committee is to ensure accurate records of all development permits issued, minimizing cases of unapproved development, illegal land use conversions, and land grabbing.
Additionally, it aims to provide data on the consumption of essential city utilities such as water and electricity, identifying illegal connections that lead to revenue losses.
One of the major anticipated outcomes of the committee’s work is increased revenue generation for the FCT Administration. By bringing all properties and buildings into the FCT Internal Revenue Tax Net, the administration expects to generate billions of Naira. The committee will also facilitate research on city planning and urban management, reinforcing Abuja’s reputation as a success story in city planning.
Speaking at the inauguration, Chief Obuah emphasized that the exercise is part of the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu. He noted that the committee’s efforts would enhance security, employment, and expert engagement, adding that the FCT Minister is committed to providing all necessary logistics for the exercise’s success. The committee is expected to complete its work within six months and provide a comprehensive report to the minister.
Chairman Galadima expressed gratitude for the opportunity and vowed that the committee would carry out its tasks diligently to ensure a lasting legacy for the Federal Capital Territory Administration. He urged committee members to approach the work judiciously, knowing that its success would be a key milestone in the development of Abuja.
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The committee is composed of professionals from relevant FCT departments, including the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), Urban and Regional Planning, Development Control, and Fire Services.
