The UTC Shopping Complex, a well-known establishment in the Federal Capital Territory, has been demolished by the FCT Administration after standing for over 30 years. The purpose of the demolition is to facilitate the much-needed revitalization of the area.
According to the administration, the existing structure was long overdue for restructuring in order to transform it into a modern Shopping Complex that can cater to the requirements and challenges of global business, particularly in supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Hassan Ogbole, the Deputy Director of Monitoring and Inspection in the Department of Development, explained that the previous structures were defective and needed upgrading to meet international business standards. The FCT Administration has made provisions for the affected traders and occupants of the Complex to ensure their relocation and facilitate the reconstruction process.
Ogbole further stated that ample notice had been given to the occupants, urging them to vacate the premises to make way for construction. However, despite the notifications, many occupants either refused or deliberately delayed their relocation, causing complications in the demolition process.
Ogbole said, “The place is in a state of disrepair, the place is no longer habitable for occupation and business activities. The place has to give way to a New development.
“The company handling the development has informed Development Control and we are here to enforce compliance. We have given them enough notices for them to remove their goods, to enable us to start the work,”
In addition, Peter Olumiji, the Secretary of Command and Control in the FCTA Department of Security, addressed the security concerns surrounding the demolition of the complex. Olumiji emphasized that apart from the objective of restructuring the area to meet international standards, it was imperative to address the prevalent criminal activities occurring there.
Olumiji revealed that the remodeling plans were meticulously developed to effectively combat the criminal activities, including thuggery and the falsification of official documents, which have tarnished the reputation of the area. The aim is to create a safer and more secure environment that upholds the integrity of the place.
