Revocation of Houses Sold in 2005 Approved by Wike: FCTA to Revert Properties to Original Use.
In a significant development, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has given his approval for the withdrawal and revocation of houses sold to Nigerians by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) in 2005. These properties were initially sold for residential purposes but had been converted for commercial use.
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The Director of the Department of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, revealed this decision at a press conference held in Abuja on Friday, October 20.
Galadima recalled that the federal government, during the tenure of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, initiated a monetization program due to the high cost of maintaining these houses. The program’s intent was to transfer the responsibility of maintenance to the property owners themselves.
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However, it was observed that some beneficiaries of these properties had converted them from their original residential purpose to other uses, including commercial activities.
According to Galadima, this change in land use has created significant challenges for city administration and management, which the FCTA can no longer tolerate.
He stated, “It is on this note that the minister has approved and directed that all owners of such properties should revert the use of the properties to its original and designated land use, which is residential.”
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Those who fail to comply with this directive by November 1 will have their properties considered revoked and returned to the FCTA.
Galadima further added, “The minister has also directed that owners of properties, particularly along major streets, that have converted their properties to other uses without approval should either revert to the original use or pay contravention charges. Anyone that fails to comply with such a directive, the administration will take appropriate action, which may include revocation.”
This decision is aimed at preserving the integrity of the Abuja Master Plan and ensuring that land use is consistent with the city’s original design. It serves as a reminder to property owners to adhere to the designated use of their properties or face potential revocation.
