The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has warned owners of event centres, hotels and other public facilities in the FCT against allowing their premises to be used for activities linked to illegal organisations, saying violators risk revocation of their title documents.
The warning was issued on Friday in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, Lere Olayinka.
According to the administration, land allocations within the territory are meant strictly for lawful purposes, adding that any facility found to have hosted unlawful gatherings would face severe sanctions.
The FCTA said its decision forms part of renewed efforts to strengthen security in the nation’s capital and support ongoing operations by security agencies.
It stated that the use of event centres, hotels and other public buildings would now be placed under closer monitoring to prevent misuse that could threaten public peace.
“Going forward, title documents of any event centre, hotel or public building that is used for the gathering of illegal organisations will be revoked,” the statement warned.
The administration urged property owners to carry out proper due diligence before renting out their facilities, stressing the importance of verifying the legality of groups seeking to use such venues.
It explained that the measure is intended to prevent facilities from being used for gatherings capable of disrupting peace and security in the capital.
The FCTA also advised operators to pay close attention to the status of organisations, particularly during the current political period, noting that only political parties recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should be allowed to use such venues for political activities.
It further directed facility owners to keep proper records of all transactions involving the use of their properties.
The administration warned that failure to comply with the directive would attract stiff penalties, including possible revocation of property titles.
