Index to Nigerian Newspapers

The Federal Government may demolish no fewer than 30 illegal settlements and slums and over 6,000 illegal buildings in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, as part of measures to restore the nation’s capital’s master plan. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who dropped the hint on resuming office on Monday, said all illegal buildings distorting the Abuja master plan would be pulled down. Wike vowed to flatten all illegal buildings even if they belonged to a minister or an ambassador. Findings by The PUNCH indicate that the slums that might be affected by the urban renewal programme would include Apo Mechanic Village, Byanzhin, Dawaki, Dei Dei, Durumi, Dutse, Garki, Garki Village, Gishiri, Gwagwalape, Idu, Jabi, Kado Village, Karmo, Karshi, Karu, Katampe, Ketti Village, Kpaduma, Kabusa, Kpana Village, Kubwa, Lokogoma, Lugbe, Mabushi, Mpape, Nyanya and Piya Kasa. Also, those who acquired lands from Abuja indigenes may lose their investments as they were regarded by the FCT Administration as illegal. Checks indicate that the 6,000 structures that may be affected by the restoration plans included buildings that have been abandoned for a long time in violation of the building code.

The National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Abuja, has fixed January 27 for ruling on a suit filed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and the FCT Administration against leaders of the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) over an ongoing strike by FCTA workers. The claimants are seeking an interlocutory injunction to restrain the union from continuing industrial action that has paralysed key government offices in Abuja. While the FCTA argues that most workers’ demands have been met and that JUAC lacks legal standing to call a strike, the union insists that core grievances, including unpaid salaries and allowances, remain unresolved. JUAC’s counsel urged the court to dismiss the application, warning that compelling workers to resume duties without resolving disputes could worsen tensions. Meanwhile, workers and allied unions, backed by the Nigeria Labour Congress, picketed the court, accusing the FCTA of rights violations and neglect of workers’ welfare.