Landowners in the nation’s capital have two years to develop the land allocated to them or face revocation, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has warned.
The overseeing Director of the Department of Monitoring and Inspection at the FCTA, Mr. Obinna Nkwocha, gave the reminder in Abuja on Wednesday during an inspection of abandoned buildings in the capital city.
Persecondnews had reported that Chijioke Nwankwoeze, Director of Land Administration in the FCTA, announced some land reforms on April 11, including a new law that seeks to revoke undeveloped plots two years after the issuance of Rights of Occupancy.
During the exercise in Maitama, Central Area, and Jabi, Nkwocha highlighted the security risks associated with abandoned buildings.
He reminded landowners that the two-year ultimatum to develop their allocated land remains in force as outlined in their building plan approval.
Nkwocha emphasized that abandoned buildings are not only an eyesore in Abuja but also serve as ‘sanctuaries’ for criminal elements.
He said: “These abandoned buildings serve as hideouts for hoodlums and can also collapse due to years of decay. I, therefore, advised developers with relevant approvals, to on their own interest, move back to site.”
He attributed the development partly to inadequate costing and lack of due diligence, which often leads to litigation.
The director urged residents to adopt a community watchdog approach, reporting abandoned buildings that pose security risks to facilitate swift intervention.
Nkwocha applauded the Nyesom Wike-led FCT Administration’s efforts in driving infrastructure development in the FCT, urging residents and developers to support the initiatives.
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