Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, has explained that its demolition of the over 30-year-old popular UTC Shopping Complex is to make way for better business hub fit for purpose in the nation’s capital.
The administration said the structure was overdue for restructuring to fit into a shopping complex model required to grow SMEs to address global business needs and challenges.
Hassan Ogbole, Deputy Director, Monitoring and Inspection, Department of Development, said the structures were defective and there was a need to upgrade them to the standard that would meet global business standards.
Ogbole noted that provision had been made for the traders and other occupants of the complex to enable reconstruction of the place.
He also stated that enough notices had been given to the occupants of the place, to enable them to move out and allow the construction to start, but many of them refused to vacate, while some deliberately refused to move out.
“The place is in a state of disrepair. The place is no longer habitable for occupation and business activities. The place has to give way to a new development.
“The company handling the development has informed Development Control, and we are here to enforce compliance. We have given them enough notices for them to remove their goods, to enable us to start the work,” he said.
Peter Olumiji, the secretary of Command and Control, FCTA Department of Security, also speaking, said demolishing the complex was also needed to curtain the security challenges in the Area.
Stay ahead with the latest updates! Join The ConclaveNG on WhatsApp and Telegram for real-time news alerts, breaking stories, and exclusive content delivered straight to your phone. Don’t miss a headline — subscribe now!
