The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has inaugurated two ad-hoc committees to tackle widespread land use violations and disputes in Abuja, giving them a strict two-week deadline to submit actionable recommendations.
The first committee will investigate issues surrounding River Park Estate, focusing on alleged breaches of agreements between the FCT Administration and developers of the mass housing project. Wike expressed concern over frequent violations of development agreements, stressing that the committee’s work must be professional, transparent, and free from interference.
“The assignment must be concluded in two weeks. There will be no extension,” Wike warned. “If I hear of any undue influence from within or outside the administration, there will be consequences. Your work must be strictly in line with the terms of reference.”
The second committee will examine properties across the FCT where the original use stated in the Certificate of Occupancy has been illegally altered. Wike noted that many residential properties have been converted to commercial use without approval, violating the Abuja master plan.
“If your C of O is for residential purposes and it’s now being used commercially, that’s a violation,” he said. “The committee must advise whether such titles should be revoked, penalised, or formally converted with the appropriate fees paid.”
Wike also directed the Lands Department, Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS), Development Control, and Urban and Regional Planning to compile a list of all defaulters on ground rent, including arrears from 2022 to 2025. He emphasised that recovering these funds is essential to financing critical projects in the FCT’s 2025 budget.
“The 2025 budget has been assented to, but without funds, we cannot deliver infrastructure that benefits our people. Recovering ground rent is a priority,” he said.
Both committees are expected to deliver robust recommendations that will guide the administration’s next steps in restoring order to land use and development in the nation’s capital.
