From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The Real Estate Developer’s Association of Nigeria (REDAN), has commended Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for setting up a task force to facilitate the issuance of Certificate of Occupancy in Abuja.
REDAN President, Dr Aliyu Wamakko, in a statement yesterday, said the Minister’s action would ensure economic value to home owners in the mass housing estates in the FCT.
Wammako, who doubles as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Jedo Investment Company Limited, said the initiative would ensure compliance with the FCT Master Plan.
“REDAN is excited with the Minister for inaugurating the Task Force with clear mandate and timeline for the actualization of the directive. This action is in sync with our calls to the Ministry before he assumed leadership.
“We are also attuned to the Minister’s directives which charged the Task Force to ensure that those allotted piece of lands who contravened land use in the FCT, pay penalties to serve as deterrence. “This decision is applauded because it is more humane and a clear departure from decisions which results to economic waste by demolition of such buildings.
“Crucial to the clear directive of the Minister is that the Task Force should make provisions for land allottees in the Area Councils who do not have certificates of occupancy for their plots to enable them to get the land documents.
His directive in this regard will give economic life and development in the Area Councils. “Fundamentally, it will sanitize land matters, and enhance accelerated housing and real estate development.
“We acknowledge the promise of the Chairman of the Task Force ESV Michael O. Chinda, to do the needful in a record time of One Month. “While noting the above, the leadership of the Association wishes to assure the Hon. Minister and the Task Force of our Members commitment and cooperation to ensure that the assignment is carried out seamlessly.
“Accordingly, we shall make ourselves available to provide relevant information and assistance.
“Paramount amongst our concern in the FCT is adherence to maintaining the Abuja Master Plan as designed and may be reviewed by the Federal Capital Territory Administration,” he said.