By Samson Adeyanju
Renowned public affairs analyst and a Senior Lecturer at Veritas University Abuja, Dr. Patrick Pillah, has urged the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), under the Honourable Minister, Nyesom Wike to adopt a more humane approach in addressing urban planning violations, emphasizing that demolition should be the last resort.
Speaking on Trust TV’s segment on land use, Dr. Pillah, who has more than Forty articles in international academic journals critiqued the recent demolitions in the Federal Capital Territory, describing them as a “necessary evil” but questioning their timing, execution, and impact on vulnerable communities.
The writer of the book “Land Policy Administration and Development” on Amazon, Goggle Scholar, Research Gate and Academia, highlighted that the demolitions have exacerbated the housing crisis and displaced countless residents, calling for a balance between urban planning and the rights of citizens.
“The Land Use Act of 1978 and the FCT Act of 1976 clearly outline mechanisms for land allocation and revocation.
However, the absence of a functioning Land Use and Allocation Committee has left unchecked powers in the hands of the minister,” he said.
Dr. Pillah recommended the immediate establishment of the committee to guide decisions and ensure inclusivity in land administration.
He further criticized past and present administrations for failing to enforce the FCT Master Plan adequately.
“The influx of people into Abuja due to insecurity nationwide has overwhelmed available infrastructure.
“This, combined with poor planning, has led to unregulated developments,” he explained.
Dr. Pillah advocated for the development of satellite towns with robust infrastructure to decongest the city center.
“If satellite towns like Karshi and Nyanya are properly developed with accessible transportation systems, many would prefer to live there,” he noted.
Addressing concerns over illegal structures, he attributed blame to both residents and government agencies for negligence.
“While residents should ensure proper documentation, government agencies must enforce regulations consistently,” he added.
Dr. Pillah then called on the FCTA to prioritize dialogue, education, and planning over demolition.
“Demolition should never be the first step. A well-implemented urban planning policy can preserve the city’s integrity without displacing its people,” he said.
The discussion has sparked fresh debates on the need for comprehensive urban development policies in Nigeria’s capital.