From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended recent land reforms, stating they aim to curb land speculation and speed up development in the FCT.
Speaking after inspecting infrastructure projects in Abuja on Tuesday, Wike, through a statement by Director of Press Anthony Ogunleye, explained that the reforms, effective April 21, set a two-year deadline for developing allocated plots and a 21-day window for paying land-related fees. These steps seek to ensure efficient land use, enhance transparency, boost revenue, and promote sustainable urban growth.
“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 an 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,” he said.
Addressing concerns about the 21-day payment deadline for Certificates of Occupancy (C of O), Wike remarked, “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 stressed that the FCT minister has the authority to implement these reforms without needing additional legislative approval.
Commenting on the infrastructure projects, Wike expressed satisfaction with progress on the 15-kilometre Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) linking Apo and Wasa Districts, the Mabushi Bus Terminal, and Arterial Road N20 (Wole Soyinka Way) with its interchanges connecting Jahi to Kubwa/Zuba Expressway and Jabi/Utako Districts.
“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,” he said.
At the Mabushi Bus Terminal, Wike emphasised quality finishing, directing the Secretary of Transport, Dr Elechi Chinedum, to ensure 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 said.
Wike noted that these projects are set for commissioning in May to mark President Bola Tinubu’s second anniversary in office.