Wike Inaugurates Committee To Review Violations In River Park Estate

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has inaugurated a committee to investigate and address violations of land use agreements in River Park Estate and other parts in Abuja.

He warned against external interference, saying  defaulters would face severe consequences, including outright revocation of their Certificates of Occupancy (C of O).

During the inauguration yesterday, the minister expressed concern over the flagrant disregard for land use regulations, particularly in high-end districts such as Maitama, Asokoro, and the Central Business District.

“These are two very important committees that will streamline the activities and services of the Federal Capital Territory Administration as they relate to issues that are clumped up,” he said.

He noted that many developers and property owners had violated the terms of their agreements with the government, converting residential properties to commercial use without approval.

“We have found that in most cases, these clauses or agreements have been violated. This committee is to look into the issues related to River Park Estate and advise the government on the necessary steps to take to correct some of these anomalies,” he said.

The minister gave the committee a two-week deadline to complete its assignment, warning against any form of external influence.

“There will be no extension of time. If it requires you to sit all night, so be it. We are not going to delay. Let me warn that this must be done professionally.

“I don’t want to hear any issue of influence from outside. If I hear that someone has interest, whether from outside or from the FCTA, or particularly AGIS or the administration department, you know the consequences of it,” Wike said.

He further urged the committee members to report any obstruction from government agencies, promising swift intervention.

Wike lamented that many parts of Abuja no longer reflect the original master plan due to illegal conversions of land use.

“Part of what we have in Abuja today does not conform to the original master plan. While some people have their C of Os indicating commercial or residential use, today, you find that these designations have changed without prior government approval,” the minister said.

The committee comprises top officials from key FCTA departments, including the director of Development Control as chairman, director of Urban and Regional Planning as Secretary, with other members including the director of Land Administration, director of Surveying and Mapping, director of Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS) and the director of Engineering Services.

The committee’s findings are expected to lead to significant enforcement actions as the FCTA aims to restore order in Abuja’s land administration system.