By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has given his approval for the withdrawal and revocation of properties sold to individuals under the monetization program by the FCT Administration but subsequently converted for different purposes.
Mr. Mukhtar Galadima, the Director of the Department of Development Control at FCDA, made this announcement during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday.
Galadima recalled that in 2005, the Federal Government had initiated the monetization program due to the high cost of maintaining these properties. Consequently, the houses were sold to their occupants with the understanding that they would maintain them.
He expressed dismay at the conversion of these residential properties into other uses, emphasizing that it places a significant burden on the city’s administration. The management believes this practice can no longer be tolerated.
“In light of this, the minister has granted approval and directed that all property owners must revert to the original and designated land use, which is residential.”
Failure to comply with this directive, effective November 1, will result in the property being considered revoked. Property owners have until the end of October to revert to their original land uses; otherwise, as of November 1, they should consider their properties revoked and returned to FCTA.
Galadima disclosed that the department has documented more than 111 cases of land use conversion in relation to the sold houses, spanning various districts within the capital city.
Property owners have received notifications and have been duly informed to return to their original land uses, but many have failed to comply. In the event of property revocation, the FCTA will determine the subsequent course of action.
“The minister has also directed that property owners, especially those along major streets, who have converted their properties for alternative uses without proper approval, must either revert to the original use or face contravention charges. Non-compliance with this directive may result in actions taken by the administration, including revocation.”
“We have chosen to inform the public about the decision and directive of the FCT Administration regarding the widespread conversion of land uses in FCT. This is to preserve the integrity of the Abuja Master Plan,” Galadima emphasized.
