The aggrieved staff, drawn from various departments and agencies under the FCTA, barricaded the main entrance to the complex as early as 7:00 a.m., disrupting official activities and demanding urgent government intervention.

Carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs, the protesters called for the immediate resolution of their grievances, which include non-payment of wage award arrears, delayed promotions, inadequate training opportunities, and insufficient work tools.

“Our patience has run out,” one of the demonstrators said. “We have families to feed, but our entitlements remain unpaid. The work environment continues to deteriorate, and nothing is being done to address it.”

In footage shared by News Central TV, the demonstrators accused the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, of presiding over worsening staff welfare, with some calling for his removal from office. Many lamented the absence of dialogue between management and workers, noting that their pleas had gone unanswered for months.

The protesters insisted that until their demands are met—including the payment of outstanding allowances and the provision of essential work materials—they would continue to occupy the premises and halt administrative operations.

As of the time of this report, the FCT Administration had yet to issue an official statement on the protest. However, the development has raised concerns over growing dissatisfaction among civil servants in the nation’s capital.

The post FCTA Workers Stage Protest, Demand Improved Welfare and Minister’s Exit appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Locals say the scavengers, who roam neighborhoods in search of recyclable waste like plastics and scrap metals, often operate at odd hours and have been implicated in burglary, assault, and vandalism. Many fear their continued presence threatens public safety and environmental hygiene.

Calls for intervention have intensified, with residents urging the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to regulate scavenging activities and strengthen the city’s waste disposal system. “We now sleep with one eye open,” said Ngozi Ezike, a teacher in Mararaba, describing recent burglary incidents allegedly linked to scavengers.

In response to rising complaints, the FCTA has been cracking down on unregulated scavenging and street begging, citing the 2020 domestication of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) law. However, this has triggered a legal backlash.

A lawsuit filed by human rights lawyer Abba Hikima on behalf of scavengers and beggars accuses the FCTA and the Inspector General of Police of violating the rights of vulnerable residents. The plaintiffs are seeking ₦500 million in damages, claiming forced evictions and harassment.

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, in a counter-affidavit, defended the administration’s actions, arguing that many scavengers engage in illegal activities such as vandalism, theft, and espionage for criminal networks. He also cited health hazards linked to open defecation and waste dumping by homeless individuals living under bridges and on roadsides.

While the legal case continues in the Federal High Court, with a judgment expected on July 10, the situation has sparked broader debate over public safety, poverty, and urban management.

Some residents suggest alternatives. Mike Divine, a resident of Lugbe, called for the relocation of scavengers to skills acquisition centres and better enforcement of sanitation laws. “The city’s waste management must be revamped to reduce their access to trash and curb associated crimes,” he said.

Despite the allegations, some scavengers insist they are unfairly stigmatized. Ibrahim Dantata, a father of nine, explained he turned to scavenging out of desperation. “Not all of us are criminals,” he said. “This work is how I feed my family.”

Kabiru M’uazu, another scavenger in Nyanya, said the community has internal mechanisms to punish theft. “We don’t tolerate stealing,” he said. “Anyone caught faces serious consequences.”

As tension builds between the need for public order and the rights of the economically marginalized, residents and officials alike agree that a long-term solution must involve improved urban planning, stronger social support systems, and effective law enforcement.

The post Rising Scavenger Presence in Abuja Sparks Security, Legal Concerns appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

According to Mr. Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, the road will be closed to vehicular traffic from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The closure is to enable the official commissioning of the newly completed 15-kilometre left-hand service lane of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX), Stage II. The project, which stretches from Ring Road I Junction to Wassa Junction, is scheduled to be inaugurated at 2:30 p.m.

Motorists are advised to use alternate routes during the period of the closure, with traffic enforcement officers deployed to manage flow and minimize disruption.

The FCTA also announced that traders, mechanics, and shop owners in the Apo Mechanics Village have voluntarily agreed to close their operations for the day in support of the commissioning. Normal business activities are expected to resume on Saturday.

The Apo-Wassa Road project is one of 17 slated for inauguration as part of events marking President Bola Tinubu’s second year in office.

The post FCTA to Temporarily Close Apo-Wassa Road for Tinubu Project Inauguration appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration has issued a final 14-day notice demanding payment, warning that defaulters risk revocation of their land titles.

The list, published on June 2, includes debts owed between 2014 and 2024. The total has climbed past ₦24 billion. Agencies like the Nigerian Navy, the Federal High Court, and the Department of Petroleum Resources are among the top offenders. Some foreign missions, including those of Canada, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and Mauritania, also appear on the list, though many owe only small sums.

FCTA enforcement teams began sealing defaulting properties on May 26, targeting over 4,700 locations. Among the sealed buildings were the PDP headquarters, Access Bank, and the Federal Inland Revenue Service office in Wuse.

After the crackdown, the President stepped in, allowing a two-week grace period. During this time, the FCTA confirmed that some defaulters began settling their debts. Officials say unpaid properties could attract penalties of ₦2 to ₦3 million, depending on their location.

Several embassies have denied wrongdoing. Russia’s embassy said it had no outstanding payments. Germany’s mission claimed it had not received any formal notice. Turkiye’s embassy also questioned the listing, suggesting a possible administrative error. Ghana’s High Commission said it would consult the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Despite the disputes, the FCTA remains firm. If payments aren’t made by June 16, revocations will begin marking one of the largest enforcement drives in Abuja’s property history

The post Over 3,300 House Owners Face Losing Abuja Properties Over Unpaid Rents appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The FCTA recently published a list of diplomatic entities that have reportedly defaulted on ground rent payments dating back to 2014. The cumulative outstanding amount across these missions is estimated at over ₦3.6 million. The affected embassies include those of Ghana, Thailand, Russia, Côte d’Ivoire, Philippines, Turkey, Netherlands, and others.

Despite the seriousness of the notice, several missions have challenged their inclusion. The Russian Embassy categorically denied owing any rent and stated that all payments are up to date, with documentation to support the claim. Turkey and Germany also expressed surprise at being listed and called for clarity from local authorities. Germany further stated that it had received no formal communication regarding any debt.

Responding to such reactions, a spokesperson for the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, noted that any discrepancies will be investigated. He added that some embassies may have paid via electronic systems not yet reflected in FCTA’s records.

Earlier, the FCT Minister had ordered enforcement actions against nearly 4,800 properties in Abuja over similar defaults, prompting President Bola Tinubu to intervene and grant a two-week grace period for all parties to settle their obligations. That grace period ends today.

The FCTA insists that failure to pay these dues could result in property enforcement actions, although authorities have remained cautious regarding diplomatic properties. Experts have pointed to international conventions — especially the Vienna Convention of 1961 — which protect diplomatic premises from certain local administrative measures.

Former Nigerian ambassador Ogbole Amedu-Ode advised the government to tread carefully and recommended bilateral engagement through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “While embassies must comply with municipal laws, diplomatic properties have special status under international protocols,” he stated.

Similarly, foreign affairs analyst Charles Onunaiju emphasized that diplomatic missions are considered sovereign territories and warned that any attempt to seal them could breach international norms and provoke a diplomatic backlash.

Among the embassies listed, some owe minor amounts, while others face larger liabilities. For example, the Zambian High Commission is noted to owe nearly ₦1.2 million, while Indonesia’s Defence Attaché reportedly owes over ₦1.7 million. Other embassies, including those of Egypt, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa, are also among the defaulting entities.

Meanwhile, several Nigerian institutions initially listed — including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) — have since confirmed settling their obligations with the FCTA. FIRS had earlier clashed with the FCTA over the sealing of its offices but later provided evidence of payment and resolved the dispute.

As the final deadline approaches, it remains to be seen whether all affected missions will regularize their dues or whether this issue will escalate into a broader diplomatic matter.

The post FCTA Threatens Closure of 34 Embassies Over Unpaid Ground Rent appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The case, which was before Justice Suleiman Belgore on Wednesday, involves a nine-count charge brought by the Federal Government, accusing the defendants of conspiracy and fraudulent dealings tied to plots of land in the Sabon Lugbe East Layout of Abuja.

According to court filings, the alleged offences took place between 2019 and 2024. The prosecution claims that the group illegally acquired and manipulated documents for plots numbered 461 to 470 and 486 to 496, to deceive a private firm, Etha Ventures Limited.

Among those named in the charge are Boniface Agwu, Ikechukwu Kanu, Prince Isaac Omoluwa, Nwaimoneye Augustine Onyisi, Surajo Aliyu, and Ogbole Michael, alongside five companies: Super Structure Limited, Bonatec Electrical Company Limited, Weatherfield Engineering Marine Services Limited, and Asher Information Services Limited.

At Wednesday’s proceedings, the prosecution counsel, Mr. David Kaswe, informed the court that efforts to enforce an arrest warrant previously issued on May 27 had so far been unsuccessful. He requested more time for security agencies to locate and produce the defendants for trial.

Although the accused were not physically present in court, several had legal representatives in attendance. Counsel for the 1st, 2nd, 5th, and 9th defendants, Mr. C.S. Ekeocha, argued that his clients had not been formally served with the charge before the bench warrant was issued. He submitted motions seeking to overturn the warrant and for the court to grant bail following their eventual arraignment.

Similarly, Mr. E.E. Apeh, representing the 3rd defendant, also filed applications to challenge the bench warrant, urging the court to rule on the matter before proceeding further.

In response, Mr. Kaswe maintained that the defendants had deliberately evaded court summons, stating that the presence of their lawyers showed they were aware of the charges and had opted not to appear.

In a short ruling, Justice Belgore held that the defence’s submissions implied that the defendants had knowledge of the ongoing case and the order for their appearance. He ordered that all accused persons must be in court on June 23 to enter their pleas.

The case continues to draw public attention, particularly because of Mr. Eriki’s senior role within the FCTA and the allegations of high-level manipulation involving public office and property documentation.

The post Court Sets June 23 for Arraignment of FCTA Director, Others in Alleged Land Fraud Case appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Appearing in court on Wednesday, Eriki’s legal counsel, Elaigwu Apeh, explained that two motions were filed: one to set aside the bench warrant and another to pause proceedings until proper court service procedures are completed. “We’ve made applications and are prepared to move forward with the legal process,” Apeh stated.

The warrant was initially issued after Eriki failed to appear to answer to a nine-count charge of conspiracy and fraud. He is one of 12 defendants accused of using forged documents to unlawfully acquire land plots in Sabon Lugbe, Abuja, between 2019 and 2024. The federal government claims the disputed property—Plots 461-470 and 486-496—was wrongfully taken from Etha Ventures Limited.

The charge includes alleged violations of Section 366 of the Penal Code, with penalties under Section 364, and the arrest warrant was granted under Section 124 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

Apeh emphasized that Eriki is not avoiding prosecution and has even filed a bail application, showing readiness to face trial. “We’ve made clear that the defendant will appear and cooperate fully. There’s no intention to delay the process,” he noted.

Justice Suleiman Belgore acknowledged the defence’s submissions but ordered all defendants to be present on the next hearing date, June 23, 2025, with proper applications submitted in advance.

The federal government maintains that the accused parties conspired to acquire high-value land through fraudulent means, a conviction for which could result in up to seven years in prison.

The post FCTA Official Rejects Evasion Claims in Abuja Land Dispute Case appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

In a statement issued on May 26, 2025, and shared via her verified X (formerly Twitter) account, the Senator representing the FCT emphasized that while tax enforcement is necessary, any action taken must comply with existing legal frameworks.

Kingibe noted that under Nigerian law, non-payment of ground rent does not automatically warrant the sealing or confiscation of property. Instead, she explained, the appropriate penalty should be in the form of a fine or surcharge—not a forced shutdown of premises.

The FCTA recently began sealing properties over unpaid ground rent, including prominent locations such as the PDP national secretariat and offices belonging to the National Agency for Trafficking in Persons, Access Bank, and the Federal Inland Revenue Service. The clampdown prompted a swift response from President Bola Tinubu, who issued a 14-day deadline for affected parties to settle their outstanding payments and penalties.

Senator Kingibe, however, cautioned against bypassing due legal procedures in enforcing land-related obligations. “Revocation or sealing of property must follow clear legal steps outlined in the Land Use Act and the Urban and Regional Planning Act, including provisions for notice and compensation,” she stated.

She further expressed concern that abrupt enforcement actions—especially those lacking proper notification or engagement—could exacerbate the financial strain already faced by residents and business owners.

“These practices not only threaten livelihoods but also risk weakening public confidence in our institutions,” she warned. “In a time when citizens are struggling with economic pressure, heavy-handed tactics may do more harm than good.”

The Senator assured FCT residents that she is in active discussions with relevant government bodies and exploring legislative measures to prevent overreach and ensure transparency. She stressed her commitment to upholding due process and advocating for fair treatment.

“I urge all affected parties to remain calm,” she added. “This issue is being taken seriously, and we are working to ensure a resolution that respects both the law and the dignity of every resident.”

The post Senator Kingibe Criticizes FCTA Over Property Sealing in Abuja appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The estate, located in Lokogoma, Abuja, was linked to the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele. Its handover followed a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of the administration’s broader anti-corruption and asset recovery efforts.

Speaking during the inauguration in Abuja on Monday, Dangiwa described the assignment as a strategic part of the Renewed Hope housing initiative, aimed at converting forfeited assets into viable housing solutions for Nigerians.

“This recovered estate must not remain idle,” he stated. “Our goal is to turn it into liveable, safe, and affordable homes that serve the people.”

According to the Minister, the committee draws its membership from critical departments within the Ministry, including planning, engineering, procurement, finance, and public affairs, and is chaired by the Permanent Secretary, Shuaib Belgore.

Committee members have been tasked with conducting a full structural and technical evaluation of the estate. Their responsibilities also include assessing the current state of the buildings, determining the work needed to complete critical infrastructure like roads, power, and water, and preparing a cost estimate for completing the project.

The group is also expected to develop guidelines for uniform finishing, ensure consistency across the estate, and formulate a transparent allocation strategy through the Renewed Hope Housing Portal.

Dangiwa urged the committee to demonstrate integrity and adopt innovative solutions. “This initiative reflects the President’s vision. Nigerians expect results—they want to see houses delivered efficiently and fairly.”

In support, Minister of State for Housing, Yusuf Ata, encouraged the committee to bring in external experts if necessary, given the task’s complexity and the four-week timeline for submitting a preliminary report.

Belgore, speaking on behalf of the committee, assured the public of the team’s commitment to transparency and professionalism.

“Our mandate is clear: to ensure that this estate becomes a successful example of how recovered government assets can be transformed into tangible benefits for the people,” he said.

The committee is expected to collaborate with key agencies, including the EFCC, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), and utility providers, to facilitate the estate’s swift development and handover.

The post Federal Government Constitutes Committee to Oversee Recovered Abuja Housing Estate appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The announcement was made at a joint press briefing in Abuja on Friday by senior officials of the FCTA, including Mr. Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communication and Social Media; Mr. Chijioke Nwankwoeze, Director of Land Administration; and Mr. Mukhtar Galadima, Director of Development Control.

According to the officials, the land titles were revoked in accordance with provisions of the Land Use Act, specifically Section 28, Subsections 5(a) and (b), which empower the government to reclaim land due to breaches of occupancy terms — in this case, non-payment of ground rent spanning between 10 and 43 years.

Properties affected by the revocation are situated in some of the most prominent districts of the Federal Capital City, including Central Area, Garki I and II, Wuse I and II, Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape.

“The administration will begin to take physical possession of these properties starting next week,” the officials confirmed. “All actions will strictly adhere to the legal framework guiding land administration in the FCT, without exception or special consideration for any individual or entity.”

The decision follows an earlier announcement made in March 2025, when the FCTA revealed that 4,794 of 8,375 defaulting properties — including high-profile buildings such as the Peoples Democratic Party’s National Secretariat — had failed to settle ground rent obligations totaling over ₦6.96 billion.

While property owners who had defaulted for less than 10 years were granted a 21-day window to regularize their payments, the FCTA noted that the grace period has now expired, and further revocations will proceed based on compliance records.

Mr. Nwankwoeze reiterated the statutory basis of ground rent payment, noting that rent is payable on the first day of every year, as outlined in the terms of occupancy, and does not require official notice for enforcement.

In response to reports that some owners may have sought legal redress, he stated, “As of now, no court has issued a ruling barring the FCTA from proceeding. We are therefore acting well within the bounds of the law.”

Mr. Galadima added that the enforcement exercise would involve sealing off the affected buildings and denying access to ensure the FCTA can evaluate next steps concerning each property.

The affected locations include the original ten districts from Phase 1 of Abuja’s development plan, covering areas such as Central Area (Cadastral Zone A00), Garki I and II (Zones A01, A03), Wuse I and II (Zones A02, A07, A08), Asokoro (Zone A04), Maitama (Zones A05, A06), and Guzape (Zone A09).

The FCTA emphasized that the recovery effort is part of a broader drive to ensure compliance with land regulations and improve revenue generation critical to infrastructure development and public services in the nation’s capital.

The post FCTA Set to Reclaim Nearly 5,000 Abuja Properties Over Long-Term Ground Rent Default appeared first on Housing TV Africa.