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Crisis looms as FCDA authorises metal market inside 3 Karsana estates
๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Nigeria /Economy & Trade

Crisis looms as FCDA authorises metal market inside 3 Karsana estates

From Vanguard · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Scrap metal dealers are set to begin trading in a new market built on the perimeter fence of Mabglobal Estate in Karsana.
  • Homeowners in three estates (Mabglobal, Green Residence, Efab Estate) are concerned about security risks and violations of the FCT Masterplan.
  • The Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) initially withdrew approval for the market but later allowed construction to resume, causing confusion and anxiety.

Scrap metal dealers are preparing to launch operations in a newly constructed market situated on the perimeter fence of Mabglobal Estate in Karsana, a development that has ignited a power struggle and anxiety among residents of three adjacent estates.

We the residents of Mab Global Estate and neighboring estates wrote your respected office on January 26, 2026 to draw attention to a curious structural development on the green areas by the perimeter fence of our estate, which we believe put our estate at grave security risk.

โ€” Pharmacist Fredrick OkonkwoExpressing concerns about the new market's location and potential security threats in a letter to authorities.

The market, located near approximately 700 homes in Mabglobal Estate, as well as Green Residence Estate and Efab Estate, is reportedly backed by influential figures. Homeowners have voiced strong objections, citing potential security risks and alleged violations of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Masterplan. Their concerns were initially addressed when the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) withdrew an earlier permit granted to FASAHA & SONS GLOBAL SERVICES NIG LTD for the market's establishment, citing security issues.

However, the situation escalated when market builders, accompanied by AMMC officials, resumed construction in July, displaying the same withdrawn acknowledgement letter. This move has baffled and alarmed estate owners, who had previously lodged formal complaints. Pharmacist Fredrick Okonkwo, President of the Mabglobal Estate Homeowners Association, expressed deep concern in a letter to relevant authorities about the continued development despite their earlier appeals.

The three estates affected โ€“ Mab Global, Green City, and Efab Queens (a community of about 2,500 houses) had expressed deep worries and concern over the development which we found to be resettlement plan for displaced scrap market dealers from Gwarimpa.

โ€” Pharmacist Fredrick OkonkwoDetailing the scope of concern among residents regarding the market's purpose and impact.

Homeowners had initially confronted the market builders in January when construction began, demanding proof of authorization. They were presented with a document from the Department of Urban Affairs within the AMMC. Following their complaint, the AMMC reviewed the matter and withdrew the approval. The subsequent resumption of construction, despite the withdrawal and ongoing resident concerns, has created significant confusion and fear within the affected estates.

We are therefore surprised that M/S FASAHA & SONS GLOBAL SERVICES NIG LTD is making hurried efforts to develop market stalls displaying the same acknowledgement letter withdrawn by the FCDA due to security concerns a

โ€” Pharmacist Fredrick OkonkwoExpressing surprise and dismay over the continued development despite the withdrawal of approval.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Vanguard. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.