FHA Begins Revalidation of Commercial Buildings in Abuja Estates

The Federal Housing Authority (FHA) has announced the commencement of a revalidation exercise for all commercial property approvals across its estates in Abuja, beginning Wednesday, April 3, 2025.

In a statement signed by the Authority’s Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Chigelu, the FHA directed all owners of commercial buildings—including hotels, supermarkets, hospitals, schools, banks, and shopping malls—to submit their approved building plans and documents to the Managing Director and Chief Executive at the FHA Headquarters, located at 26 Julius Nyerere Crescent, Asokoro, Abuja.

The exercise, according to the statement, applies to all commercial buildings, regardless of when approvals were granted. The decision follows recent discoveries by the management of widespread infractions, including construction without proper approval and illegal alterations in violation of development control regulations.

FHA Managing Director, Hon. Oyetunde Oladimeji Ojo, noted that many structures currently in use for commercial purposes have either deviated significantly from their approved designs or were constructed without any approval at all.

“These violations pose serious safety risks,” the statement warned, citing the recent controlled demolition of a structurally defective commercial building on 5th Avenue, Gwarinpa Estate, in March 2025. The move, according to FHA, was a proactive step to avert the dangers of building collapse.

“All commercial properties must now undergo integrity tests as part of the revalidation process,” the statement emphasized, adding that failure to comply will attract severe sanctions.

The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining safety and order within its estates and said it would not compromise on the enforcement of development standards.

“Strict compliance is not negotiable,” the statement concluded.