The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has approved N1.94 billion for the acquisition of five earth-moving machines to enhance the operations of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC).
Chief Felix Obuah, Coordinator of the AMMC, made the announcement in Abuja on Wednesday following an Executive Committee meeting chaired by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. He emphasised that the procurement was necessary to improve the capacity of the Department of Development Control in overseeing urban development within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Obuah revealed that the contract for the equipment was awarded to Matrak Nigerian Ltd, with the machinery expected to be delivered within three weeks. The acquired equipment includes a SEM CAT Wheel Loader (SEM656), a CAT Wheel Loader (950 GC), two CAT Excavators (320 GX and 323 GX), and a CAT Dozer (D6 GC).
He clarified that the machines were not specifically designated for demolition activities but rather to support broader development control operations, including site clearance and land reclamation. The move comes as the FCTA intensifies efforts to enforce urban planning regulations and curb the proliferation of illegal structures in Abuja.
The capital city has long faced challenges with unregulated development, straying from its original master plan. The Department of Development Control, which evolved into a full-fledged department in 2002, is tasked with enforcing compliance with building codes, land use policies, and public infrastructure regulations. However, Abuja’s rapid urban expansion has led to a surge in informal settlements and encroachments on government land.
To address these concerns, the FCTA has ramped up crackdowns on unauthorised buildings, particularly those erected on government-owned land without approval. In December 2024, Minister Wike reiterated his commitment to the ongoing demolition exercise, stating that he would not succumb to pressure or blackmail.
The procurement of these machines aligns with the FCTA’s broader objective of ensuring a well-planned and organised capital city by preventing the growth of slums and enforcing urban development guidelines.
