The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has taken decisive action against Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) violations in Abuja by inaugurating two committees.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony at the FCTA headquarters on Friday in Abuja, Wike lamented that there was no distinction between commercial and residential areas in the FCT.
He said, that this contravened the master plan of the city.
The minister also inaugurated a committee to oversee some issues that had sprung up between the FCTA and a private estate, River Park, located along the airport road in Abuja.
They aimed to identify areas in the nation’s capital where land use or purpose has changed without approval, contravening the Abuja Master Plan.
The committees Chaired by the General Counsel/Secretary, Legal Service Secretariat, would investigate issues related to River Park Estate, a private development along the airport road in Abuja, and advise the government on necessary steps to correct anomalies.
The second committee led by the Director, Development Control, would l review cases of properties breaching the terms of their Certificate of Occupancy, focusing on restoring compliance with the Abuja Master Plan.
Wike expressed concern over the blurring of boundaries between residential and commercial zones in the FCT, emphasising that such changes contravene the master plan of the city.
He also noted that government agreements with developers were often violated, highlighting the need for strict adherence to these agreements.
Wike further urged committee members to carry out their duties professionally, warning of consequences for misconduct or external influence.
Both committees have been given two weeks to conclude their investigations and submit actionable recommendations.
The government would take necessary implementation and action based on the committees’ findings.
