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Tag: FCTA

  • FCTA opening Giri District for development – Wike

    FCTA opening Giri District for development – Wike

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says the FCT Administration is constructing a road network in Giri District, Abuja, to open the area for development.

    Wike stated this in Abuja on Wednesday, after inspecting the ongoing construction of the three-kilometre road network in the district.

    Other projects inspected included the 16-kilometre Idu-Dei Dei Road on the Inner Northern Expressway (INEX), road network in Dakibiyu District and the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal.

    The minister said that the road project was designed to open up the Giri District, where the Economic and Financial Crime Academy and the University of Abuja were located.

    “We believe with what we are doing there, that the district will be opened up and development will spring up in no distant time,” he said.

    He added that the contractor executing the road project had promised to deliver the project in May for inauguration.

    Wike also said that the Idu-Dei Dei Road would also be ready for inauguration in May.

    The minister, who expressed delight at the pace and quality of the project, added that the people in the area were happy that they would soon be connected to other parts of Abuja.

    “That of course is the true meaning of President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”. This is because road development is key to any development agenda.

    “Road network improves connectivity and will encourage people to settle and do their businesses in rural communities instead of residing within the city.

    “That is what we are trying to do; to discourage people moving from rural areas to the city and we are happy the promises made are being kept to the glory of God,” he said.

    Wike added that the construction of a road network leading to the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal would be ready in May, while the court is expected to be ready in September.

  • Wike gives land allotees 21 days to pay or lose offer

    Wike gives land allotees 21 days to pay or lose offer

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has given land allottees 21 days to pay all statutory Right of Occupancy (R of O) bills and charges or lose the offer.

    Mr Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, disclosed this at a news conference in Abuja on Friday.

    Olayinka explained that the measure was part of the broad and comprehensive reforms on land administration in the FCT, approved by the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike.

    He said that the reforms, which would become operational from April 21, covers specific areas like conditions of grant of statutory R of O, and contents of the statutory R of O bill.

    Others, he said, would include contents of Letter of Acceptance/Refusal of offer of grant of R o O, titling of mass housing and sectional interests, as well as regularisation of area council land documents.

    He explained that the crux of the sweeping reforms in the FCT land administration would ensure the regularisation of land allocations in area councils and title of mass housing properties in favour of buyers.

    He added that the land allottees were also expected to develop allocated lands within two years.

    Olayinka noted that before now, deadline for payment of bills, rents, fees and charges were not specified in the statutory R of O bill, with no penalty for failure to make payment promptly.

    According to him, the non-collection of R of O and non-payment of bills has caused delay in revenue generation due to the FCTA.

    “It has also caused slower pace of infrastructural development and promote sustained land speculation and racketeering.

    “Also, huge expenses have been incurred by the FCT Administration through repeated advertisements and publications notifying the public on the need for collection of R of O and timely payment of bills and charges.

    “Consequently, as against the unspecified period within which to collect the R of O and make full payment of the bills and charges, land allottees now have 21 days from the date of offer to make full payment of all bills, fees, rents and charges prescribed on offers, and submit a duly completed letter of acceptance alongside evidence of payments or lose the offer.”

    The spokesman added that FCTA had equally given land allottees two years from the date of the commencement of the R of O to erect and complete development on any land granted in the FCT.

    This, according to him, is against the lengthy or unspecified period within which to develop allocated lands.

    “Therefore, any R of O bills and other payments made outside the stipulated 21 days shall be considered invalid while any land granted should be developed within two years,” he said.

    Also, the Director of Land Administration, FCTA, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, said this was the first time the Administration had reviewed its land administration to improve efficiency.

    Nwankwoeze said that with this development, allottees would no longer hold their R of O in their house and assumed they owned a land in FCT.

    He said that beginning from April 21, any offer of R of O must be paid for within 21 days of offer to validate acceptance.

    “So, acceptance of the offer of statutory R of O in the FCT is now tied to payments of the accompanied bills,” he said.

    The director of land also said that for lands allocated in the area councils, the allottees would be expected to make all payments within 60 days.

  • Abuja conference centre restoration costs FCTA N39bn, says Wike

    Abuja conference centre restoration costs FCTA N39bn, says Wike

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says the FCT Administration is expending N39 billion on the rehabilitation of the Abuja International Conference Centre.

    Wike disclosed this in Abuja on Wednesday, when he inspected the ongoing renovation of the centre being executed by Julius Berger.

    The minister recalled that President Bola Tinubu had described the centre as an eyesore when he inaugurated the sixth Legislature of the ECOWAS Parliament on April 4, 2024.

    He added that, thereafter, Tinubu directed that the centre should be shut down and mandated the FCTA to carry out a total rehabilitation of the conference centre.

    Following the directive, Wike on April 8, 2024, ordered the suspension of all activities at the centre to enable the contractor to begin the rehabilitation.

    He explained that the rehabilitation was necessary to give the country a befitting international conference centre.

    He explained that the poor state of the centre had reduced it to a mere conference centre and not an international centre.

    “We are giving Nigerian the best and we thanked President Bola Tinubu for supporting the rehabilitation of the conference centre,” he said.

    Wike, who said that the rehabilitation had reached between 70 and 80 per cent completion, expressed confidence that the facility would be ready for public use in May.

    According to him, all the materials needed to complete the rehabilitation have been imported and are on ground.

    “I am happy with what is going on, the contractor had promised to complete the renovation at the cost of N39 billion.

    “I can say that they are between 70 to 80 per cent completion and they have assured us that the project would be completed and hand over to us in May.

    “We are happy with the pace of work, and I am confident that in May, the centre will be one of the projects that will be inaugurated to celebrate Tinubu’s 2nd year in office.”

  • FCTA approves N36.5bn for projects in satellite towns

    FCTA approves N36.5bn for projects in satellite towns

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has approved N36.5 billion for the execution of several projects in its satellite towns.

    Mr Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, Coordinator, Satellite Towns Development Department, FCTA, disclosed this in Abuja on Thursday, while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the FCT Executive Committee meeting, the first in 2025.

    Zulkiflu explained that out of the amount, 19.6 billion would be spent on the construction of multi-event sport centres and N13.9 billion on the construction of two magistrate courts.

    He added that N3 billion would also be spent on the procurement and installation of a 33kv power supply and streetlight system.

    The coordinator said that the committee approved the award of contract for the construction of a multi-event sport Complex in Abuja, Lot A and B.

    He said that Lot A, sited at Area 3 and Area 10, Garki District, was awarded to Earthgain Energy and Environmental Services Ltd at N9.9 billion.

    He added that Lot B, sited at Kafe District, behind Life Camp, was awarded to Tegwa-Tegwa Nigeria Ltd, at N9.7 billion.

    Zulkiflu said that the projects were expected to be completed within 12 months.

    “The committee also approved the construction of two magistrates’ courts in Asokoro and Garki Districts, at the cost of N7.6 billion and N6.3 billion respectively.

    “The projects, expected to be delivered within 15 and 18 months respectively, were initiated to improve access to justice and legal services in the FCT,” he said.

    The coordinator further said that a total of N3 billion was approved for the construction of a 33kva power supply for communities from Dawaki to Bwari.

    He added that the amount would also cover a contract for the provision of a solar street light system on Arab Road and U-Shape Road in the same locations.

    He said that the contract, awarded to CGC Nigeria Ltd would be completed in six months. According to him, the move is to improve the security system of satellite towns.

  • FCTA shuts down “illegal” clinic in Kuje

    FCTA shuts down “illegal” clinic in Kuje

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has shut down an unregistered clinic, Dada’s Clinic and Maternity Ltd, operating in Kapwa, Gaube Community in Kuje Area Council of the FCT.

    Mr Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Monday.

    Olayinka explained that the facility, located along the main road leading to the community was shut on Sunday by the Private Health Establishments Registration and Monitoring Committee (PHERMC).

    He said that one Mr Sabiu, who introduced himself as the health worker managing the facility, was detained and handed over to the police for further investigation.

    He said that the team was led by the Director, Medical and Diagnostics Department, acting on the directives of the Mandate Secretary, Health and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe.

    He added that the visit followed allegations that the facility was operating without registration and conducting medical procedures in a rented apartment unfit for healthcare services, under the guise of a medical outreach.

    Olayinka said that Sabiu had admitted that the clinic was not duly registered with PHERMC.

    Sadly, the Minister’s spokesman revealed that preliminary findings have indicated that a community elder had tragically passed away following a hernia operation performed at the facility.

    “Additionally, multiple reports emerged of patients who barely survived procedures and required emergency medical care elsewhere.

    “The facility, an unpainted building with burglar-proof ironwork at the entrance, was in a dilapidated and unsanitary condition.

    “It lacked windows, doors, and basic amenities such as a reception area, nursing station, bathroom, or toilet.

    “The structure had four rooms and a general area, including an unfinished extension in unacceptable sanitary condition.

    “At the time of the visit, three patients were on admission, including an elderly patient receiving intravenous infusion,” he said.

    Olayinka added that all patients in the facility were confirmed to be stable and were referred to Kuje General Hospital for proper medical care.

    He expressed Wike’s zero tolerance to the operation of illegal health facilities in the FCT.

    He reiterated the Minister’s commitment to ensuring safe and regulated healthcare services, through facility accreditation as a simple process and “as such, there is no excuse for operating illegally.”

    He echoed the Minister’s directive that all unregistered health facilities should be sealed henceforth to protect residents from unsafe medical practices.

  • FCTA bans scavenging, suspends pantaker operations in Abuja

    FCTA bans scavenging, suspends pantaker operations in Abuja

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has banned scavengers from operating in the territory.

    The Commissioner of Police in FCT, Olatunji Disu announced the ban while briefing newsmen after the FCT Security Committee Meeting in Abuja on Monday.

    Disu said that the scavengers were allowed to operate only on dumpsites located in the outskirts of the city and the suburbs.

    “All security agencies have been tasked with ensuring that this order is enforced, beginning from Jan. 14,” he said.

    The commissioner added that the committee also banned the operation of pantaker markets for two weeks, beginning from Tuesday across the FCT.

    Pantaker is a market for the sales of fairly used items and scrap iron, including furniture and home appliances.

    He explained that the two weeks suspension was to allow security agencies to profile the pantaker operators.

    This, he said, would ensure that only legitimate operators operate in Pantakers across the FCT.

    He said that the committee had concluded that everybody arrested for vandalising public infrastructure would be charged to court and tried for economic sabotage and if possible, attempted murder.

    He noted that because the punishment for such offences was usually community service or fine, the offenders return to commit more crimes.

    “The punishment given to them is so menial that we notice that we are recycling these criminals.

    “The activities of the vandals are enough to kill residents of the FCT because when they remove manhole covers on the road, it can cause the death of people driving at night,” Disu said.

    According to him, anybody vandalising public infrastructure is vitalising the joint property of all residents of the FCT.

    “Numbers have been given out; if you see anything, say something. Let’s join hands to ensure that we protect all government infrastructures.”

  • FCTA uncovers company buying stolen manhole covers

    FCTA uncovers company buying stolen manhole covers

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has identified one iron smelting company as one of the alleged buyers of stolen manhole covers in Abuja.

    Mr Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, to the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, stated this in a statement in Abuja on Monday.

    Olayinka noted that some exhibits have been recovered from the company and were in the custody of the police.

    He added that further investigations were ongoing to determine the company and others’ involvement in the removal, purchase and melting of the manhole covers.

    He explained that some of the suspected manhole vandals detained by the police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were helping with useful information.

    “The arrested persons are helping the security agencies with useful information about the buyers of the vandalised manhole covers and other infrastructure.”

    Olayinka disclosed that the replacement of the vandalised manhole covers had begun on Sunday as directed by the FCT minister.

    Recall that the Olayinka had on Sunday, expressed Wike’s displeasure over the removal of sewage manhole covers on highways.

    This, he said, was putting the lives of road users at risk. The minister had vowed that the FCT Administration would do everything necessary to bring the perpetrators to book.

  • Why we are enforcing payment for C of O – FCTA Director

    Why we are enforcing payment for C of O – FCTA Director

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), says the payment for the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) from land allottees in Maitama II is for the development of infrastructure in the district.

    The Director of Land, Mr ChijiokeNwankwoeze, stated this while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the FCT Executive Council meeting, in Abuja on Monday.

    According to him, the funds are required to provide the needed infrastructure in the district.

    “There is no other place you get these money except from the monies that would be paid by the allottees for that purpose.”

    Recall that the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, has given owners of the 762 revoked plots of land in Maitama two-week grace to pay for their C of O.

    The owners of the plots, located in Maitama II, Cadastral Zone A10, Abuja, are expected to pay for their C of O or risk final revocation.

    Nwankwoeze said that some of the allottees were given the allocation as far back as 2017, with an obligation to pay ground rent and C of O.

    He said that the 762 allottees and the 614 others with outstanding payment of C of O have till Jan. 3, 2025, to pay, or have their Right of Ownership (R of O) titles withdrawn.

    “Lands are given to people and the people complain that there is no infrastructure, but they don’t want to fulfil their own obligations to the offer.

    “So, if you are given land, and you don’t comply with the terms and conditions of the offer of the Right of Ownership (R of O), the Administration would have no choice but to withdraw those offers and give it to people who are ready to comply.

    “That was what the administration did. However, there were lots of appeals. The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, graciously considered the plights of the people, considered the current economic situation in the country and gave the affected persons another chance.

    He insisted that every affected allottee who really intends to develop his or her land and the development of FCT, should make efforts to pay or lose the land.

  • Land Title: I’m not owing FCTA a dime-Speaker Abbas

    Land Title: I’m not owing FCTA a dime-Speaker Abbas

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abbas has declared that he is not owing FCTA a dime as alleged in a section of the media.

    The speaker who made this declaration via a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Musa Abdullahi Kirishi stated that:

    “The attention of the Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, GCON, has been drawn to reports in both the print and electronic media to the effect that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) revoked land titles in the FCT, belonging to certain individuals, including the Speaker, due to non-settlement of outstanding payments.

    “For the record, His Excellency, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, GCON, has only one land allocated to him in the FCT, and has since settled his outstanding payment in October 2024, following the FCTA’s newspapers’ publications to that effect.

    “It is, therefore, an error for the FCTA to include his name among those having outstanding payments, leading to the revocation of the land titles. The FCTA is advised to be more circumspect in handling such issues.

    The Speaker cautions the media to always verify their facts before going to press with such issues.

    The media are, therefore, urged to desist from further publishing or spreading such misleading information about the person of the Speaker.

  • FCTA demolishes unauthorised parks in Abuja

    FCTA demolishes unauthorised parks in Abuja

    The Department of Development Control, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has demolished unauthorised parks at Apo Zone E, Gudu District, Abuja.

    The department also demolished an illegal development on a green area in the district.

    The Director of the department, Mr Mukhtar Galadima, said during the exercise in Abuja on Tuesday, that the structure was built without government’s approval.

    Galadima, who was at the scene along with the officials of the Department of Parks and Recreation, said that the action of the developer was a gross violation of the Abuja Master Plan.

    He explained that the parks were demolished for extending their structures into a road corridor without authorisation.

    He added that the illegal structure built on a green area also obstructed waterways, which if allowed, could lead to erosion and flooding.

    He explained that the illegal structures were discovered during the department’s weekly inspection of ongoing developments in the Federal Capital City.

    “During our normal weekly inspection today at Apo Zone E, Gudu District, we discovered strange developments in the area.

    “The structures were built on green areas and water channels and so we have to stop the work.

    “We will continue to monitor developments, and any illegal developer that refuses to stop unauthorised development will be arrested.

    “Other structures that have been completed will also be pulled down,” the director said.

    On his part, Mr Chinemelu Echee, Director, Parks and Recreation, said that the administration would reclaim all green areas converted to other use.

    Echee decried indiscriminate cutting of trees by those carrying out illegal development, saying,  “such acts must be stopped.

    “All parks discovered to be operating without genuine approval will not be allowed to stand.”