The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has launched an investigation into the sale of federal government houses and the review of the Abuja land swap initiative. Wike made this known in Abuja on Tuesday, directing the Task Force on the issuance of Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) for mass housing to conduct a thorough review of the initiative.
Wike, who inaugurated the Task Force on November 14, emphasized the need to not only focus on the issuance of C of O for mass housing but also to recover land use contravention fees. The additional task has led to an extension of the completion period from one month to two months. The land swap initiative involves engaging the private sector to provide infrastructure in exchange for land, aiming to open up new districts in the FCT by constructing access roads.
Expressing concerns raised by stakeholders about the initiative, Wike stressed the necessity to review the agreements and other relevant documents. “We want to get details of the land swap initiative and the sale of federal government houses in the Federal Capital Territory. There are so many complaints that some houses are abandoned, while some are sold. Let us know the houses that were sold and where are the documents? Let them show us the receipt of payments,” Wike stated.
Wike tasked the task force, chaired by Michael Chinda, Senior Special Assistant to Wike on Lands, Urban and Regional Planning, to uncover the status of the federal government houses and the houses built and abandoned in the city. The task force, which includes the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, Shehu Ahmad, and other directors, is mandated to complete the comprehensive investigation within the extended two months.
This move by Wike underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in the housing sector in the FCT. The investigation aims to address reported irregularities and provide clarity on the sale and status of federal government houses, reflecting the minister’s dedication to upholding good governance and effective urban development.
As the probe progresses, it is expected to shed light on the concerns raised by stakeholders and pave the way for informed decisions to enhance the housing and urban development landscape in Abuja. The outcome of the investigation will not only influence the future direction of the land swap initiative but also determine the accountability and management of federal government properties in the capital city.
Indeed, Wike’s proactive approach towards the review and investigation sets a significant precedent for fostering transparency and good governance in the FCT, underlining the government’s commitment to equitable and sustainable urban development. With the task force mandated to carry out a thorough review, the findings are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the housing and land development policies in the FCT.
