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Category: FCT Update

  • Compensation fraud: Abuja indigenes demand probe of FCDA boss

    Compensation fraud: Abuja indigenes demand probe of FCDA boss

    Some indigenes of the FCT have called for an investigation into alleged compensation fraud relating to demolished Gishiri Village, Abuja.

    A total of 455 houses and structures standing on a road corridor in the village were demolished to give way for a road project.

    Media reports alleged that victims of the demolished houses and structures, were being defrauded by officials of the FCDA.

    The reports emanated from a meeting between the FCT Minister and leaders of the community.

    At the meeting, Mr Richard Dauda, the acting Executive Secretary of the authority particularly identified as the culprit.

    Reacting to the development, the indigenes, in a joint statement in Abuja on Tuesday, called on the FCT Minister to investigate the claim.

    According to them, the full investigation of the alleged fraud is necessary to determine the veracity of the claim and bring the culprit to book.

    The statement was jointly signed by the President of Abuja Original Inhabitants Youths Empowerment Organisation, Isaac Isaac, and Youths Leader, FCT Youths Network, Mr Umar Makeri.

    Others are the Women Leader, Abuja Original Inhabitants Women Association, Sarki Yemi and Chief Ambassador, Abuja Grassroots Ambassadors and Coalition of Nigeria Youth on Security and Safety Affairs, Mr Yunusa Yusuf.

    The group called for a probe into the fraud allegations, insisting that the FCDA Executive Secretary was wrongfully accused.

    They called for fair hearing to enable Dauda to exonerate himself from the alleged fraud linked to him.

    The group argued that a press release from the Director of Press, Office of the Minister, had completely absolved the FCDA boss of any fraud.

    According to the group, the emphasis was on fair compensation for owners of demolished structures in Gishiri Village, irrespective of their indigenisation status.

    “We the civil society organisations in the FCT have taken interest in the demolition, compensation and relocation of affected persons from Gishiri Village.

    “We have done our investigations and can tell you that nobody was paid before demolition was carried out.

    “While we believe that the media has the responsibility of holding government officials accountable, they also owe it to the people to present the facts as they are.”

    The group commended the FCT minister for increasing the compensation funds from N655 million to N1.3 billion, stressing the need for social justice and equity.

    They, however, said that they would not stand by and watch while an innocent person was being wrongfully accused.

    “Is the Executive Secretary responsible for paying compensation? Is that not the responsibility of the Department of Resettlement and Compensation?

    “Why then is the Executive Secretary of FCDA dragged for what he is not directly responsible for?

    “We, therefore, call for a thorough investigation of all those involved in the compensation payment, where everyone involved will be given an opportunity to present their own case,” the statement said. 

  • FCT Generates N43.8bn in January, Warns Tax Defaulters

    FCT Generates N43.8bn in January, Warns Tax Defaulters

    Rather than commend the taxpayers, the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) threatened defaulters after announcing a collection of over N43.8 billion in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

     The agency warned that it may take legal action against individuals and businesses that consistently fail to comply with tax laws.

    The Acting Executive Chairman of FCT-IRS, Michael Ango, revealed this during a public awareness campaign in Abuja. 

    He explained that while the service encourages voluntary tax compliance, it is also prepared to enforce penalties on those who refuse to meet their tax obligations.

    According to Ango, the agency collected a total of N262 billion in 2024, surpassing its N250 billion target. 

    With a strong start in 2025, the service remains committed to increasing revenue collection across various taxes, including personal income tax, capital gains tax, property tax, and entertainment tax.

    He noted that businesses that fail to file their tax returns for 2025 could face penalties starting from N500,000. 

    The agency has already issued warning letters to some defaulting companies and plans to notify more soon.

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     If payments are not made within two weeks, FCT-IRS will determine the next course of action, which may include prosecuting company executives.

    Ango stressed that tax payments are essential for public infrastructure, including roads, hospitals, and schools.

     He urged residents and business owners to fulfill their tax duties, warning that the agency will take strict action

  • INEC Releases Election Notice for FCT Council Polls

    INEC Releases Election Notice for FCT Council Polls

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the official election notice for the upcoming Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

    The polls are scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026.

    According to the notice published on Wednesday, voting will begin at 8:30 a.m. across all polling units in the six area councils of the FCT.

    INEC confirmed that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) will be used for voter identification and authentication.

    The commission stated that only registered voters with valid Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) would be allowed to participate in the election.

    Anyone without a PVC will not be permitted to vote.

    The election is expected to follow standard electoral guidelines, ensuring transparency and credibility in the process.

  • Tinubu gets a Federal Polytechnic in Abuja

    Tinubu gets a Federal Polytechnic in Abuja

     

    The federal government has approved the creation of a new polytechnic in Abuja, to be named Bola Tinubu Polytechnic. 

    This decision was announced by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, in a letter sent to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, on January 9.  

    The move is part of a nationwide effort to ensure each state has a federal polytechnic.

     The polytechnic will focus on vocational and technical training, aligning with the government’s plans to boost education in these fields.  

    The FCT minister has been asked to recommend locations in Gwarinpa for both temporary and permanent campuses. 

    A technical team from the Ministry of Education and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) will conduct inspections.  

    The government has also expressed willingness to convert existing tertiary institutions in the FCT into the new polytechnic if they meet required standards.  

    Meanwhile, the NBTE has launched a foundation aimed at addressing challenges faced by polytechnics, including improving capacity, fostering industry collaboration, and building global partnerships.

  • Wike says the FG has spent N300bn on developing FCT satellite towns

    Wike says the FG has spent N300bn on developing FCT satellite towns

    According to the Minister of the FCTA the amount was spent between January 2024 and January 2025, which goes to demonstrate the importance President Tinubu attaches to the development of satellite towns.

    Mr. Nyesom Wike stated this on Wednesday, while inaugurating the nine-kilometre Paikon Kore – Ibwa Road, in Gwagwalada, Gwagwalada Area Council.

    He said Tinubu is not only committed to the development of Abuja city but also committed to the development of satellite towns.

    He said that out of the more than N300 billion spent so far, more than N50 billion was expended in Gwagwalada Area Council alone.

    He said that N8.5 billion was expended on the rehabilitation of Paikon Kore – Ibwa Road.

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    The Minister added that N22 billion was earmarked for the construction of Aguma Palace – Market – Radio Nigeria Road, which would be inaugurated in May 2025.

    He added that the FCT Administration also spent N16.5 billion on the rehabilitation and upgrading of five secondary schools in Gwagwalada.

    He identified the schools as the School for the Gifted, Government Secondary School (GSS) Gwagwalada, GSS Anagada, Government Science Secondary School, Tungan Maji, and GSS Giri.

    “If you calculate the total amount, excluding the two Police Divisions under construction, Mr President has committed to Gwagwalada alone more than N50 billion.

    “If you add the six area councils, with Gwagwalada having the least amount, you will see that in just a year, Mr President has committed more than N300 billion to the development of satellite towns.

    “It is important for people to have this record as evidence against those claiming that the government was only developing the city with nothing happening in satellite towns,” he said.

    He explained that the Paikon Kore – Ibwa Road was rehabilitated following a request by the residents while the construction of Aguma Palace – Market – Radio Nigerian Road was ongoing.

    “We thank God we are here today to commission the Paikon Kore – Ibwa Road. In May, God willing, during the second anniversary of Mr President, we will also commission the Aguma Palace Road,” he said.

    Wike reiterated Tinubu’s commitment to participatory governance and implementing projects based on the needs of residents and assured the residents of more projects.

    He particularly promised to construct the Ibwa bridge following a demand by the Vice Chairman, Mr Saidu Zuba.

    Earlier, Zuba described Wike as a blessing to residents of Gwagwalada following the huge investment in rural infrastructure.

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    He added the security situation had significantly improved in the area following Wike’s interventions to improve security in local communities.

    He appealed to the minister to construct the Ibwa bridge, saying, “we lose a lot of students to flooding while trying to cross the bridge during the rainy season.”

    On her part, FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, urged the benefiting communities to safeguard the road, use it responsibly, and collaborate to ensure more developmental strides in the future.

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    “May this road bring lasting benefits to our community and serve as a beacon of unity and progress,” she said.

    The Coordinator, Satellite Towns Development Department, Mr Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, explained that the Paikon Kore – Ibwa Road was awarded to Setraco Nigeria Ltd, in January 2024.

    He said that the road was designed to open businesses and connect communities towards a sustainable development of rural communities.

  • Institute of Town Planners condemn harassment of FCDA staff

    Institute of Town Planners condemn harassment of FCDA staff

    The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), has  condemned the harassment and molestation of officials of the Department of Development Control, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCT).

    Officials of the Development Control department were manhandled recently by individuals and organisations while carrying out their lawful duty.

    Dr. Chime Ogbonna, the institute’s president, condemned the act when he visited the department’s director, Mr. Mukhtar Galadima, in Abuja on Monday.

    Ogbonna recalled the recent incident in Lugbe, where the operational vehicle of the department was vandalised and some of the officials manhandled by unidentified security personnel.

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    The President, who said he was in the office to commiserate with the director over the incident, added that the institute would no longer tolerate such acts.

    He cautioned individuals and organisations against future occurrences, threatening that perpetrators would face appropriate legal action.

    Responding, Galadima thanked the Institute for their support and disclosed that the FCTA was investigating the matter for justice to be served.

    According to him, the incident highlights concerns about the safety and well-being of development control staff.

    “This underscores the need to respect and protect professionals carrying out their statutory duties. “

  • Abuja IED explosion: Police confirm 2 death

    Abuja IED explosion: Police confirm 2 death

    The Nigeria Police has confirmed that two people died from an explosion that occurred at an Islamic School in  Byazhin area of Abuja, Federal Capital Territory.

    The Police gave the name of the school as Tsangayar Sani Uthman Islamiyya.

    A statement by Public Relations Officer in the FCT, SP Josephine Adeh said the tragic incident occurred at about 11:00 am on Monday.

    According to her, upon receiving a distress call from the community leader in the area, a team of police operatives, including the Command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team were deployed.

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    Adeh said the victims were promptly evacuated and rushed to the hospital for medical attention during the rescue operation.

    She said the area was immediately cordoned off to protect residents and facilitate a thorough investigation by the police team.

    “Preliminary investigations revealed that three men from Katsina visited the owner of the Islamic school, Malam Adamu Ashimu.

    “The three visitors are suspected to have brought the explosive device with them.

    “Tragically, two of the men died in the explosion while tampering with the improvised explosive device (IED), on the school veranda while the third man and a female trader sustained severe injuries and are currently receiving treatment under police guard,” she said.

    Adeh said the FCT Bomb Squad had confirmed that the incident was an IED explosion, adding that remnants of the device had been recovered.

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    She said the owner of the school had been taken into custody for questioning, adding that further findings would be communicated to the public in due course.

    She said the Commissioner of Police in charge of the FCT, Mr Olatunji Disu, enjoined the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, behavior or items with explosive device resemblance to the police.

  • 50 Apprehended Manhole Vandals shall be prosecuted – Wike

    50 Apprehended Manhole Vandals shall be prosecuted – Wike

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has vowed that the 50 individuals detained for vandalising roads facilities would face prosecution.

    Media reports on Monday indicated that the Nigerian Police in Abuja announced the detention of 50 suspected vandals, who were caught with 25 manhole covers and solar streetlights.

    Reacting to the development, Wike said that the detained suspects would face the full wrath of the law to serve as a deterrent to others.

    In a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Mr Lere Olayinka, the minister emphasised that no criminal would be spared.

    The Minister assured that the FCT Administration would ensure that all buyers and users of the stolen manhole covers and other public infrastructure would be apprehended.

    According to him, the culprits would be prosecuted for economic sabotage and for endangering the lives of Nigerians.

    He described the detention of the 50 suspected vandals by the police as a demonstration of the FCTA’s zero-tolerance policy toward criminal activities, particularly the vandalisation of public amenities.

    Wike commended security agencies for their prompt and decisive actions, calling their collaborative efforts “fantastic.”

    “This is an assurance to the residents of the FCT that their lives and property are secure,” he stated.

    The minister also lauded Nigerians for showing patriotism by speaking out against vandalism, emphasising that the protection of public amenities was a collective responsibility.

    He urged residents of the FCT to continue using social media positively, as demonstrated by one individual who alerted authorities about the stolen manhole covers.

    He pledged that the Administration would act swiftly on similar incidents in the future.

    “Those stealing and buying amenities meant for the use of Nigerians are Nigerians themselves.

  • Kado Estate Residents Struggle with Water Shortage, Urge FCT Minister’s Help

    Kado Estate Residents Struggle with Water Shortage, Urge FCT Minister’s Help

    For over two months, residents of Kado Housing Estate in Abuja have faced a persistent water shortage, leaving many without reliable access to this basic necessity. 

    The issue began in early November after a brief pipeline maintenance announcement, but instead of resolving the problem, water supply in most areas ceased entirely.  

    Residents report that only a few homes receive minimal water late at night, forcing many to travel long distances to fetch water even during the festive season. 

    The situation has raised concerns about potential health risks from inadequate sanitation.  

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    Efforts to address the issue with the FCT Water Board have been unsuccessful, with some residents alleging that water meant for their estate has been redirected to other districts. 

    In frustration, the Kado Estate Residents Association has appealed directly to the FCT Minister, urging immediate action to restore water supply and alleviate the hardship.

    “The residents of Kado Housing Estate (Phases 1 and 2) are constrained to send a public appeal to the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike to urgently intervene to bring to an immediate end to the seemingly intractable water scarcity that the Estate has been subjected to for over two months,” they wrote in a statement signed by officials of the Estate Association, Dr. James Odaudu and Kola Olatode.

  • Yuletide in FCT: Police Deploys 3,180 Officers to Worship Centres, Public Spaces

    Yuletide in FCT: Police Deploys 3,180 Officers to Worship Centres, Public Spaces

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has stationed 3,180 officers at various locations, including worship centers and public spaces, ahead of Christmas celebrations.

     The move is part of efforts to ensure the safety of residents during the holiday season.

    FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, shared this update during a press briefing in Abuja.

     He explained that the deployment would focus on high-traffic areas such as places of worship and event venues, as well as potential hotspots, including unfinished buildings and shanties. 

    To bolster security, the police will carry out patrols on foot and in vehicles, as well as implement stop-and-search operations.

    Though the Commissioner did not state any motif for the special deployement, he said Tactical units and Rapid Response Squads (RRS) will also be deployed across key locations.

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     Additionally, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams will inspect critical government and public infrastructure to ensure safety.

    CP Disu noted that the police would collaborate with other security agencies to provide a secure environment throughout the festive period. 

    He also called for cooperation from religious leaders and recreational facility owners. 

    The Commissioner reminded residents to avoid fireworks and firecrackers to prevent unnecessary panic and encouraged vigilance, urging the public to report suspicious activities using emergency contact numbers provided by the police.