By Esther Ososanya
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Friday inaugurated two committees to tackle land-related issues, including disputes at River Park Estate and the widespread abuse of the Land Use Act in Abuja.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Wike described the assignments as “very important” in streamlining the activities of the FCT Administration and restoring compliance with the Abuja Master Plan.
The first committee, chaired by the General Counsel/Secretary of the Legal Service Secretariat with the Acting Director, Public Service, as secretary, is tasked with addressing disputes at River Park Estate. Wike noted that while the FCTA often signs Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with estate developers, these agreements are frequently violated.
He said the panel would investigate the estate’s land issues and advise the administration on corrective measures, stressing that it must complete its work within two weeks with no extension.
“So, if it requires you to sit from morning till night, may it be so. We will not delay,” Wike stated, urging the members to act professionally and resist internal or external influence.
He warned that any interference from within the FCTA, especially from the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS) or the Lands Administration Department, would attract serious consequences.
Review of Land Use Violations
The second committee, chaired by the Director of Development Control with the Director of Urban and Regional Planning as secretary, will review land use violations across the FCT. The panel will identify properties where the purpose stated in the Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) has been altered without government approval — such as residential plots converted to commercial use.
“This is a violation of the certificate that was issued,” Wike said, adding that the review would cover areas including the Central Business District, Maitama, Asokoro, Garki, and Wuse.
The committee is to recommend appropriate actions, ranging from outright revocation to conversion penalties, in line with existing guidelines. It has two weeks to submit a comprehensive report.
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The River Park Estate Committee includes the Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Lands, Urban and Regional Planning; Deputy Director, Land; Director, Security Services; Director, Development Control; and Director, AGIS.
The land use review committee also features the Directors of Land Administration, Surveying and Mapping, AGIS, and Engineering Services.
Wike said the move was aimed at restoring order in land management and making the public aware of government efforts to correct anomalies in the FCT.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
