FCTA Takes Strong Stance Against Illegal Tinted Glass and Shanty Structures
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has taken a firm stance against vehicles with tinted glass permits, asserting that many of these permits are fake and associated with criminal activities. This move comes despite the Inspector-General of Police’s directive to allow a grace period until October 2025 for enforcement.
During a Citywide Sanitation Operation on Monday, the FCTA’s Director of Security Services, Adamu Gwary, was represented by Dr. Peter Olumuji, the Director of Command and Control Unit. Olumuji emphasized that the clampdown is essential for public safety, citing security concerns linked to vehicles with illegal tints.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had previously extended the grace period for enforcing the ban on tinted glass permits, setting October 2025 as the effective date. However, the FCTA took action earlier, seizing over 700 vehicles in Abuja for operating with illegal tints and forged permits. This renewed effort targets motorists involved in criminal activities.
Olumuji explained that the decision to act now was driven by the frequent involvement of tinted vehicles in “one-chance” robberies and other crimes within the FCT. He highlighted that individuals capable of forging permits also have the potential to commit serious crimes.
“We’ve been able to do other clearance operations within the City Center, especially impounding vehicles and tinted glasses, which are constant reports that these are vehicles being used for one chance. And people have also raised the concern that the IG of Police has given October 2025 as the new deadline,” he said.
Despite the official timeline, the FCTA insists that allowing such vehicles to roam freely poses a significant risk to public safety. The operation to eliminate illegal activities extends beyond vehicles, including the demolition of shanties in Bunkoro District, known locally as Gwarimpa, near the Map Global Estate.
Demolition of Illegal Structures
The Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, informed journalists during the exercise that over 1,000 makeshift structures had been cleared along the Ring Road 3 corridor. He described the area as being taken over by shacks, squatters, and individuals of questionable character.
Galadima noted that while indigenous settlements along the corridor were left standing pending the presence of the Resettlement and Compensation Department, other illegal structures would be demolished to prevent them from serving as cover for criminal elements.
“The FCTA has discussed with relevant authorities about ensuring that the cleared areas are not reoccupied, especially since work is ongoing on the adjoining N16 road project,” he stated.
He further explained that the administration aims to avoid interfering with the existence of indigenous communities but will ensure that non-indigenous structures are removed to maintain order and security.
“However, for tomorrow’s exercise to be smooth, we want our representative of Resettlement and Compensation to be with us, so that they can guide us and which indigenous communities are. And those that are not indigenous communities, we can excuse them and tell them to move on,” Gwary added.
Continued Operations for Public Safety
Both directors assured residents that the FCTA’s combined clearance and enforcement operations would continue across the capital. The focus remains on securing lives and property, improving the city’s aesthetics, and curbing crime.
These efforts reflect the administration’s commitment to maintaining a safe and orderly environment for all residents. By addressing both vehicle-related offenses and illegal structures, the FCTA aims to create a more secure and visually appealing urban landscape.
