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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has taken a firm stance against illegal land development in Abuja’s Gaduwa District following a tense confrontation over a disputed land connected to former Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo (retd). At the centre of the dispute is Santos Estate Limited, which claims rights over the land without official title.
Addressing the press after the Executive Council (EXCO) meeting chaired by the Minister, Nyesom Wike, Acting Director of Land Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, provided a detailed clarification, emphasising the critical distinction between a Letter of Intent and statutory land ownership.
“The issue here is about whether somebody has title for land and whether he has the requisite approval to build on the land. The answer to both is no,” Nwankwoeze declared. He explained that Santos Estate Limited relied on a 2007 Letter of Intent from the Department of Parks and Recreation, which “is not a statutory right of occupancy” and merely grants “permission to enter upon the land and do specific things.”
He described the conditions of the letter:
“The letter issued to Santos Estate Limited on 5 July 2007 allowed them to commence negotiation for financing and immediate site preparation, but crucially required submission of a detailed technical design proposal within 21 days. Without this, no lease agreement would be granted.” Nwankwoeze stressed that Santos Estate did not meet these conditions, submitting their proposal two years late and failing to develop the site within one year as mandated.
The Acting Director gave further context on the FCTA’s broader reforms tackling land administration:
“In our quest to handle land administration more professionally, we reviewed all parks-related documents and recommended withdrawal of all Letters of Intent issued by the Department of Parks and Recreation. This was approved by the Honourable Minister of the FCT on 19 June 2025.”
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He lifted the veil on unauthorised developments:
“Many holders of these letters moved to develop housing estates or hotels—activities incompatible with the park’s designation. These are illegal, as they lack title, approvals, and violate the master plan.”
Regarding specific urban planning for the area, Nwankwoeze explained the strategic designations:
“The Southern Parkway corridor, including Gaduwa, is a specialised planning concept approved by the Department of Urban and Regional Planning and the Minister. Santos Estate’s conversion demands—for hotels or housing—were rejected officially in 2015 as incongruent with the land use.”
He confirmed the interdepartmental review results: “A committee reviewed Santos Estate’s submissions and found them unacceptable. They were informed in writing and advised to approach planning authorities again, which they apparently did not.”
Closing on the legal reality of the land claim, Nwankwoeze remained unequivocal: “Santos Estate is not in our records with statutory grants or rights of occupancy. Claims of title based on the Letter of Intent are false. Such letters have always been temporary permissions, not titles.”
He warned of consequences for such violations: “They had no legal reason to enter or develop the site after revocation of permissions. This administration is committed to ensuring all genuine investors receive secure titles, while preventing illegal occupation and development.”
