Toba Owojaiye Reporting
ABUJA, October 19, 2023 – In a significant policy announcement, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has declared that land allocations in the FCT will now be contingent on a commitment to development within a specified timeframe.
Speaking on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the Acting Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, the Minister emphasized the need to deter land speculation in the region, according to a press release sent to Truth Live News.
The Minister firmly stated, “My policy now, before I approve land to any agency, that agency will commit that it will develop this land within so many years. If you do not develop, the FCT should reclaim your land.”
This new approach aims to prevent the accumulation of undeveloped land in the FCT, a concern that has plagued the region in recent years. Minister Wike stressed that he would not allocate land without a clear timeline for development, emphasizing the importance of seriousness and commitment.
Even in the case of the Acting CG’s request for land allocation to construct a school for the Customs Service, the Minister made it clear that this allocation would only be approved if the agency committed to a specific development timeline and paid the requisite ground rent. “I will not allocate land that will be till thy kingdom come,” he said, underlining his commitment to ensuring that land serves a productive purpose.
Furthermore, Minister Wike expressed his determination to enforce ground rent payments strictly. He stated, “Even though the condition for granting a certificate of occupancy is that you must pay your ground rent, this time around, we shall not give you notice to pay. A tenant must know he is a debtor. You don’t need your landlord to come and tell you that you have not paid for land. You know you are a debtor.”
Responding to a request to reverse land revocations, the Minister warned against such requests and hinted at potential penalties, highlighting the need for consistency and fairness in land allocation.
The Acting Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Adewale, expressed confidence in the Minister’s ability to bring transparency and integrity to the FCT. He acknowledged Barrister Wike’s impressive track record in previous positions and assured the Minister of the Service’s commitment to compliance with FCT laws and regulations.
The event also saw the presence of FCT Minister of State Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, Permanent Secretary Mr. Olusade Adesola, Mandate Secretaries, and senior officials of the Nigeria Customs Service and the FCTA.
This policy change, aimed at encouraging responsible land development and curbing land speculation, will likely have significant implications for land allocation and development in the Federal Capital Territory.