Abuja: Mr. Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has inaugurated two committees aimed at resolving land issues at River Park Estate and tackling land use act abuses within the FCT.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the minister emphasized the significance of these committees in aligning FCT Administration’s activities with land management requirements.
The River Park Committee is tasked with examining the land disputes within the estate and advising the FCT Administration on corrective measures. It will be led by the General Counsel/Secretary of the Legal Service Secretariat, with the acting Director of Public Service serving as the secretary. Wike highlighted that government-issued letters of intent for mass housing development often result in violated agreement clauses, necessitating the committee’s establishment.
The committee has a two-week deadline to conclude its investigation, with no extensions permitted. Wike urged the committee members to maintain professionalism and remain impervious to internal or external pressures. He warned against any department or individual attempting to obstruct the committee’s access to necessary information.
The second committee focuses on reviewing land use and purpose clauses for properties in areas overtaken by commercial and other activities. This committee, chaired by the Director of Development Control with the Director of Urban and Regional Planning as Secretary, will assess compliance with the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) terms. Wike noted that unauthorized commercial activities on residential properties violate the issued certificates.
The committee will identify violations across various districts, including the Central Business Area, Maitama, Asokoro, Garki, Wuse I, and Wuse II. It is tasked with recommending appropriate government actions, which could include revocation or penalties for non-compliance with C of O provisions. The committee has two weeks to provide comprehensive recommendations without succumbing to interference.
Wike stated that addressing land use anomalies is crucial for public awareness of government efforts in the FCT. The River Park Estate Committee includes the Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Lands, Urban and Regional Planning, and other officials from the Security Services Department, Development Control, and AGIS. Meanwhile, the committee reviewing land use and purpose clauses comprises directors from Land Administration, Surveying and Mapping, AGIS, and Engineering Services.