The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced plans to demolish “Yar Kasuwa”, a popular market in Gwarinpa, for operating illegally.

Mukhtar Galadima, director of the Department of Development Control, FCTA, announced this during a meeting with stakeholders in Abuja on Sunday.

Mr Galadima informed the stakeholders, including the representatives of the traders’ union, that the department had served a quit notice to the traders to vacate the area by February 7.

He added that the demolition of the market, located along N16 Road corridor, Gwarinpa, would begin on February 8.

Mr Galadima explained that the FCT Administration had awarded the contract for the full development of the arterial road.

He added that the contractors had engaged the traders since September 2023, but they kept asking for more time.

“If the contract is not executed as scheduled, the cost of materials would keep rising and could lead to contract variation, which is against the policy of the current administration.

“This meeting, therefore, is basically to inform the traders occupying the N16 Road corridor to vacate the area, latest by Wednesday, as demolition will begin on Thursday (February 8).

“This is necessary because the last time they were served notices, they claimed that they were not fully briefed,” he said.

The director explained that the FCT Administration awarded the road contract from Ring Road II, which begins from Katampe Extension through Jabi Mbora to Galadimawa Roundabout, connecting Ring Road III.

“All structures existing in that corridor will be removed,” said the director.

“We are coming to clear the place. We are giving you up till Wednesday to clear your things,” he added.

The secretary of the traders union, who identified himself as Mohammed, said they had been running their businesses in the market for over 20 years.

He promised to convey the directive to the traders.

(NAN)