Stories by Stanley Onyekwere
The FCT Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has declared that the significant reforms in land administration in the FCT are aimed at combating land speculation and accelerating the development of the nation’s capital.
Wike clarified that the reforms are designed to discourage individuals from holding onto land allocations for speculative purposes, often waiting for market appreciation before selling.
Speaking with journalists shortly after a routine inspection of key infrastructure projects in the Abuja city centre yesterday, he stressed the importance of timely development and payment to ensure the efficient allocation and utilization of land resources.
According to him, “We are trying to stop land speculators. Somebody who says he wants land in Abuja but cannot develop it in two years …that’s land speculation.
“Secondly, if you have been given allocation, you should be able to pay within 21 days to have your C of O. What is wrong with that? That’s also to generate funds for the government.”
On concerns regarding the 21-day deadline for the payment of associated fees for the issuance of Certificate of Occupancy, the minister said: “Why would you not pay your fees within 21 days? What is wrong with it? There is nothing wrong.
“You cannot apply for land and then you don’t have money to pay for the C of O. It doesn’t make sense. 21 days is enough.”
He also asserted that the FCT Minister possesses the authority to implement these reforms without the need for additional enabling legislation.
Commenting on his observation of all the projects sites he visited, the FCT Minister expressed satisfaction with the progress of work on the projects, including the 15-kilometer Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) connecting Apo and Wasa Districts, the Mabushi Bus Terminal, and the Arterial Road N20 (Wole Soyinka Way) and its interchanges linking Jahi to the Kubwa/Zuba expressway and Jabi/Utako Districts.
He said, “The one from Apo to Wasa, you can see that the CGC is doing a very good job. By the grace of God that will be ready by May.
“The one to Kubwa that is the interchange which is being carried out by Gilmor, they have also assured us that that also will be ready”.
Furthermore, at the Mabushi Bus Terminal, the Minister emphasized the importance of quality finishing and directed the Secretary of Transport, Dr Elechi Chinedum to ensure all necessary corrections are made.
“By and large, I think we are on schedule. We are happy with what we are seeing, but the finishing of structures like this (the bus terminal) is key and I pointed out some of the things I felt should be corrected,” he added.
Equally, the Minister indicated that these projects are expected to be commissioned in May to commemorate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second year anniversary.
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