Wike inaugurates committee to tackle irregularities at River Park Estate, violations of FCT Land Use Act

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, established two committees to address pressing land-related challenges in the FCT, focusing on irregularities at River Park Estate and violations of the Land Use Act.

Speaking at the inauguration in Abuja, Wike described these issues as “critical” for enhancing the FCT Administration’s oversight of land management and ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks.

The River Park Estate Committee, chaired by the General Counsel/Secretary of the Legal Service Secretariat, with the acting Director of Public Service as secretary, aims to investigate land allocation disputes within the estate.

Wike highlighted that while the FCT Administration often signs Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with estate developers for mass housing projects, these agreements are frequently breached.

“The committee must examine these violations and propose actionable solutions within two weeks,” Wike directed, emphasizing a strict timeline with no extensions.

Wike urged the committee to maintain professionalism and resist any external or internal pressures, particularly from entities like the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS) or the administration department.

“If any department obstructs your access to information, report it immediately,” he warned, underscoring his commitment to transparency.

The committee’s recommendations will guide the FCT Administration in resolving long-standing land issues at River Park Estate.

The second committee, led by the Director of Development Control and with the Director of Urban and Regional Planning as secretary, will focus on reviewing violations of land use and purpose clauses in Certificates of Occupancy (C of O).

Wike noted that many property owners in areas like Maitama, Asokoro, Garki, Wuse I, and Wuse II have converted residential properties to commercial use without approval, violating the Abuja Master Plan.

“Such actions undermine the integrity of the C of O and the city’s planning framework,” he stated.

This committee has been tasked with identifying non-compliant properties and recommending corrective measures, such as revocation of C of Os or penalties for conversion with appropriate fees.

“Your findings will determine whether we revoke non-compliant titles or allow conversions with penalties,” Wike explained, giving the committee two weeks to submit comprehensive recommendations. He stressed the importance of working without interference to ensure impartiality.

The River Park Estate Committee includes key figures such as the Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Lands, Urban and Regional Planning, and directors from Security Services, Development Control, and AGIS.

Similarly, the land use review committee comprises directors from Land Administration, Surveying and Mapping, AGIS, and Engineering Services, ensuring a broad range of expertise to tackle the complex issues.

Wike emphasized that these initiatives are crucial for restoring public confidence in the FCT’s land management processes.

“The public needs to see that we are addressing these anomalies decisively,” he said.