The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has raised concerns over the growing disregard for the Abuja Master Plan, warning against the conversion of residential properties to commercial use without official approval.
Speaking on Friday while inaugurating two special committees to investigate land-related infractions, Wike noted that many property owners have been flouting the terms of their Certificates of Occupancy (C of O).
“The C of O clearly states the purpose of the property — whether for commercial, residential, or other uses — yet you see people turning residential buildings into commercial premises without government approval. This is a clear violation,” he said.
The first committee, set up to resolve land disputes at River Park Estate, will be chaired by the General Counsel and Secretary of the Legal Service Secretariat, Barrister Salman Dako, with the Acting Director of Public Service serving as secretary. Wike tasked the committee to address irregularities in line with agreements signed between the FCT Administration and estate developers.
“You have just two weeks to finish your work. There will be no extension. If it requires you to work from morning till night, do it. We will not delay,” he warned.
The second committee will review properties whose land use clauses have been breached, particularly in areas like Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse I, Wuse II, Garki, and the Central Business District. It will be chaired by the Director of Development Control, with the Director of Urban and Regional Planning as secretary.
Wike instructed the committees to operate without fear or favour. “If I hear anyone — whether from outside or within the FCT Administration — is trying to influence you, you know the consequences. If any department tries to withhold information, inform me immediately,” he said.
He added that the committees should recommend appropriate measures, which could include outright revocation of titles or imposing penalties for conversion of land use, in line with existing guidelines.
“This assignment must be carried out with utmost professionalism,” Wike stressed, adding that the move is part of efforts to keep the public informed about government action to curb land use abuse in the FCT.
Members of the River Park Estate committee also include the Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Lands, Urban and Regional Planning; the Deputy Director of Lands; the Director of Security Services; the Director of Development Control; and the Director of the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS).
