The Authority of the Nigerian Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has sealed off a popular Pub and Event Centre, Zodara Bar, at No. 2 Bujumbura Street, Wuse II in Abuja metropolis, Nigeria’s capital city.
Voice of Nigeria gathered that the operation was carried out by the FCTA Multi-Departments headed by the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC).
Addressing journalists shortly after the exercise, the Coordinator of AMMC, TPL Shuaibu Umar, explained that the operation became necessary, following a court order, which indicates a change of land use and illegal activities constituting a nuisance to the public.
“First and foremost, the property that is in use now is constituting general environmental nuisance to the whole of the neighborhood.
“The whole of the area is disturbed by the activities going on in this building.
“As you can see, it is a multi departmental operation headed by the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC). All departments are involved namely, Park and Recreations, Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), Department of Development Control, and Enforcement Team from the Office of the FCT Minister.
“We received so many complains from whatever activities that are happening here and we followed all necessary processes.
“We went to court and obtained a seal off order. Whatever we are doing here is enforcing what the court has directed,” said Shuaibu Umar.
He emphasized the need for the owners of property to always ensure compliance with the land use of the area, adding that they must comply with the environmental laws and all necessary guidelines governing operation either as residential, commercial or recreational in the FCT.
“Whatever we do here is that we must not allow and we are not allowing any impunity to take place in the FCT.
“We have so many complains and we gave many notices to the occupant of this property yet they proved to be very recalcitrant.
“And we have taken the necessary steps in order to sure that we rid this neighborhood of any nuisance that is emanating from this place”, he added.
On his part, the director of Abuja Environmental Protection Board, AEPB, Engr. Osi Braimah, stated that the FCT was a creation of law. Therefore, all activities in the city are guided by law.
“If you are going to build a property you must get approval from the Department of Development Control. If you want to change your land use you must get an approval.
“Also the noise level in the FCT is controlled. So clubs, gardens and all that must comply with the noise requirements.
“This is why we are forced to close this property because people living around this area can no longer sleep or rest because of the activities going in this building,” he said.
Also, the director, department of development control, Malam Muktar Galadima, said all development in the FCT is guided by the Abuja Master Plan:
“This plot in question was designed and approved for residential purpose, but they have converted the land use. Not only the conversion that matters but also it has become a nuisance to the environment.”
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Monitoring, Inspection and Evaluation, Mr Ikharo Attah, said that the minister insisted that all the illegality around the area must stop.
“If you look at the parking alone here, it is very disturbing and painful.
“But the beauty of it all and what we will be taking home from here is the fact that FCT agencies under AMMC are driving home a very strong message that you don’t abuse and rape the Urban and Regional Planning Law and AEPB Act and go free,” Ikharo Attah explained.
