By tee Lot
Government officials in Plateau State have implemented decisive measures to address the issue of illegal construction encroaching upon government-owned land, issuing a stern caution to offenders.
The State government has unequivocally stated that any structures erected without proper approval will face demolition, with the associated costs borne by the developers.
A recent crackdown targeted individuals who were found to be erecting buildings on government property located at the Old Legislative Quarters, Bauchi Ring Road, Jos.
Key figures including State Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Joshua Laven, State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Musa Ashoms, and General Manager of the Jos Metropolitan Development Board, Hart Bankat, among others, conducted a site visit. They ordered an immediate cessation of construction activities until the responsible party could be identified and requisite permission documents produced.
Bankat stressed the importance of adhering to proper procedures before commencing any construction, underscoring the necessity of obtaining building approval and appropriate titles from the Ministry of Lands and Survey.
He highlighted that despite a prior directive to halt work on the site, unauthorized construction persisted at an alarming rate, necessitating government intervention.
In his address, Bankat emphasized, “No individual is exempt from the law. This administration’s objective is not to pursue individuals, but to uphold standards. Prior to commencing any construction, it is imperative to obtain building approval following the acquisition of appropriate titles from the Ministry of Lands and Survey. Our attention was drawn to this construction work as it was about to commence.”
“We dispatched our officials who marked the site for work cessation last week. Upon our visit with the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Commissioner for Lands and Survey, and Commissioner for Information and Communication, we encountered extensive work progress within a brief span. This is unacceptable.”
“We are now enforcing stringent measures. When we instruct work to cease, it must cease to facilitate verification. There exists a comprehensive master plan for Greater Jos, which has been disregarded. We aim to reinstate order. However, it is regrettable when individuals flout regulations and act with impunity.”
“Initiating construction without approval is an offense. Persisting with construction despite governmental directives signifies a disregard for the law. We are using this instance as a precedent. Every structure erected without authorization will be demolished. Those who defy our directives will face legal consequences.”
“We are providing the owner with a deadline until tomorrow to remove all construction materials and personnel. They must justify their actions. Failure to comply will result in immediate government intervention for demolition. This area is designated for public use, including sports facilities. It is inconceivable that public amenities are being appropriated for private gain.”
Laven echoed the government’s commitment to upholding the law and reclaiming unlawfully acquired land. He stressed the imperative of regulatory compliance and issued a stern warning to violators, affirming a new era of governance in Plateau State characterized by strict adherence to legal norms.
