FCTA to dismantle unlawful market in Gwarinpa, ask vendors to quit.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has declared plans to demolish “Yar Kasuwa,” a popular Gwarinpa market that operates illegally.

Mr. Mukhtar Galadima, Director of the FCTA’s Department of Development Control, made the news during a stakeholder meeting in Abuja on Sunday.

Galadima reminded stakeholders, including members from the traders’ union, that the department had presented the traders with a quit notice to evacuate the area by January 7.

He stated that the destruction of the market, which is located along the N16 Road corridor in Gwarinpa, would start on January 8.

Galadima revealed that the FCT Administration had given the contract for the complete development of the arterial route.

He claimed that the contractors had been working with the dealers since September 2023, but they continued asking for additional time.

According to him, the development is causing a delay in project delivery.

“The traders’ stubbornness to stop had shortened the contract’s time frame.

“If the contract is not executed as anticipated, the cost of materials will continue to rise, perhaps leading to contract variation, which is contrary to the current administration’s policy.

“The purpose of this meeting is to tell traders occupying the N16 Road corridor that they must quit the area by Wednesday at the latest, since demolition will commence on Thursday (Jan. 8).

“This is required since the last time they were issued notices, they claimed they were not thoroughly briefed,” he explained.

The FCT Administration granted the road contract for Ring Road II, which runs from Katampe Extension through Jabi Mbora to Galadimawa Roundabout and connects with Ring Road III.

He stated, “The contract has been given, and we are requesting that all people doing business along the corridor quit.

“All constructions in that corridor will be removed.

“We are asking traders and others to please collaborate with us. Start removing your valuables before we arrive.

“We’re coming to clean the area. We are giving you until Wednesday to clear your items.”

The traders union’s secretary, Mohammed, stated that they had been conducting business in the market for more than 20 years.

He pledged to provide the directive to the merchants.