FCT urban tribunal inaugurated

The tribunal established in 1990 is to help FCTA enforce standards and regulations in line with the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Act 2004 and the FCT Urban and Regional Planning Rules 2008. The tribunal inaugurated by the FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed is headed by a town planner, Ebenezer Lufadejun with Mrs Zaliha’u Ahmed as […]

The tribunal established in 1990 is to help FCTA enforce standards and regulations in line with the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Act 2004 and the FCT Urban and Regional Planning Rules 2008.
The tribunal inaugurated by the FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed is headed by a town planner, Ebenezer Lufadejun with Mrs Zaliha’u Ahmed as secretary.
Members include: Sani Haliru (lawyer), Akhigbe Irene (surveyor), Gabe Adimorah (architect) and Aliyu Yawuri.   
A judge from the FCT High Court, Justice Salisu Garba administered oath of allegiance and oath of office on members of the tribunal.
Shortly after inaugurating the tribunal, the FCT minister said population rise in Abuja has led to unauthorised developments, changes in land use, traffic congestion and inadequacy in waste management.
According to him, the tribunal is a way of guaranteeing orderly development and management of Abuja.  
The chairman of the tribunal promised that the tribunal will discharge its responsibilities “faithfully, loyally and truthfully in accordance with our professional training and experience and in line with the Act and aspiration of government.”
The tribunal members have a tenure of three years. The tribunal adjudicates on matters between government and developers as well as other users of land relating to land use contravention by violation of development levy and unauthorised erection of structures and compensation disputes arising from resettlement exercises.
The tribunal was first established in 1990 but could not take off operationally due to legal constraints.
It has remained unknown because many people still take cases to the regular courts.