The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Mr. Nyesom Wike, has pledged to tackle land grabbing activities decisively, regardless of the perpetrators’ status.
Wike issued the warning during a visit by officials of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), FCT Chapter, in Abuja on Thursday.
“Landing grabbing is an old issue. Some of your members and FCT staff are involved in it. As a government, we are committed to addressing this problem, irrespective of the offenders’ social standing,” the minister asserted.
He expressed concern about individuals seeking land allocations from the FCTA under false pretenses, only to leave the land undeveloped or to sell it for personal gain.
“People write to the FCTA daily, requesting land allocations for housing projects, but many do not follow through with actual development. Instead, they seize government land and sell it for profit,” Wike lamented.
To curb this trend, Wike outlined stringent measures for land allocation, including demonstrating financial capability and obtaining an undertaking from a reputable bank to ensure project commencement and completion within specified timelines.
He emphasized that failure to adhere to these conditions would result in the government reclaiming the allocated land.
“These measures are essential to prevent developers from defrauding the government in the guise of development,” Wike stressed.
He also criticized real estate developers for failing to fulfill their tax obligations to the government, urging mutual cooperation and transparency in partnerships.
In response, REDAN Chairman, Dr. Ehikioya Okoruwa, assured Wike of the association’s commitment to partnering with the FCTA to address housing deficits in the territory.
Okoruwa highlighted REDAN’s plans to construct 15,000 houses and invest N262 billion in the housing sector, underscoring the potential benefits for the FCTA.
Furthermore, he emphasized REDAN’s collaboration with security agencies to combat land racketeering and its dedication to ethical standards and accountability.
The meeting between the FCT Administration and REDAN laid the groundwork for a potential partnership, with clear expectations for transparency and accountability.
