Abuja UTC Demolition! Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) officials demolished at least 480 shops at the popular UTC in Garki. This was in line with the government directive. The shop owners claimed they were unaware of the Government’s intention, lamenting the exercise’s impact on their livelihood.
The Remains of the Popular UTC Printing Press Market in Abuja.
Shop Owners Count Their Loss
According to a shop Owner, who confirmed that the case has been in court for three years. Until yesterday, a memo was shared informing shop owners to pay service charges. This demolishing is a big shock; her two shops here have been demolished. She kindly requests that the authority should have mercy on them to allow them to bring in their valuables.
In case you missed this: Abuja UTC Shop Owners Relocate to Temporary Site
Another Shop Owner claimed he owned a Press in the complex, and his machines were worth millions. He expressed total displeasure, and there have been back and forth. Some of his colleagues have been arrested and locked up on the ground that they videoed them. He described the situation as pathetic, horrible and evil. They want to kill thousands of people eating from this place. He also claimed that no one had moved their valuable machines from the complex. The alternative place provided is like an IDP camp with white canopies.
FCDA Officials’ Response
According to Hassan Ogbolo, the Head of Monitoring and Enforcement Control FCDA, the Abuja Investment Company Limited owns the structure. About 90% of the shops are empty, and the demolition is partial. They can still come back to remove their valuables. The structure is defective and not suitable for the current business environment. In terms of safety, the structure is not safe.
Also, Olujimi Peter, the Secretary FCT Command and Control Centre confirmed that the environment is already becoming an unsafe haven for Customers. There have been cases of reports of criminality activities like phone snatching and forgery of sensitive security documents by touts. The remodelling will ensure the Touting is reduced to a minimum. We are not bringing down the businesses.
Abuja UTC has been the main hub of the printing business in Abuja. It also serves as a place to buy some electrical appliances like refrigerators and Air conditioners.
