The Federal Capital Territory Administration has reminded land owners in Abuja that they have two years to develop their allocated plots or risk losing them.
This reminder was given on Wednesday by Mr. Obinna Nkwocha, Acting Director of the Department of Monitoring and Inspection, during an inspection of abandoned buildings in areas like Maitama, Central Area, and Jabi.
Nkwocha said the FCTA had earlier introduced a land reform policy, which gives land owners a two-year deadline to begin development after getting allocation and building plan approval.
He said, “These abandoned buildings serve as hideouts for hoodlums and can also collapse due to years of decay. I advise developers with relevant approvals to, in their own interest, return to site.”
Nkwocha noted that the issue of abandoned buildings was partly caused by poor planning and failure to check for possible legal problems before starting construction.
He urged Abuja residents to report any abandoned property in their area that may be used for criminal activities.
“These structures are not only making the city untidy, but they are also security threats,” he added.
He said the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, is doing a lot to improve infrastructure across the city, and called on both residents and developers to support these efforts by making use of their lands.
“Let’s support the government’s efforts by ensuring our city is safe and developed,” Nkwocha said.
The FCTA has said it will continue monitoring to ensure compliance and may revoke any land that is left undeveloped after the two-year period.
