- Abuja mandated property development within three months for uncompleted buildings
- Official statement cited security concerns related to abandoned properties
- TheRadar compiled public reactions, which raised questions about the timing and fairness of the directive amid economic challenges
Nigerians have expressed widespread anger and frustration following the announcement from the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) regarding a three-month ultimatum issued to owners of uncompleted buildings and undeveloped plots in the Federal Capital City (FCC).
The FCTA has mandated that property owners must begin development on their properties within this timeframe or face the risk of losing them.
FCTA issues directive for owners of uncompleted buildings
This directive was outlined in an official document dated Monday, October 21, 2024, signed by Chief Felix Obuah, the Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), causing a wave of public reactions.
The document read in part, “The FCT Administration has noted with concern the rapid expansion of shanties and squatters within uncompleted buildings and undeveloped plots across the Federal Capital City.
“The Administration has also noted that these buildings and plots are being used as hideouts by men of questionable characters thereby posing a serious security challenge to the residents.
“In view of the foregoing, all owners of those abandoned and uncompleted buildings and undeveloped plots are hereby directed to immediately develop and secure the properties within three months from the date of this announcement.
“Failure to comply with this directive, the Administration may take appropriate action which shall include revocation of titles and demolition of such abandoned structures.”
In response to the announcement, many Nigerians took to social media to voice their opinions, with some questioning the timing and fairness of the ultimatum, especially given the current economic situation.
Nigerians react over FCTA's three-month ultimatum
TheRadar compiled reactions from the public below:
“This is absurd and ridiculous because not every land owners has the money to develop their property. Wike is the worst minister of FCT,” Verified Homie stated.
“New minister needs some lands for himself and his supporters. If you have land there, this is a subtle warning for you to sell it to them at giveaway price or lose it completely. That’s has always been their strategy,” Nigerian Lens reacted.
“No be when person get him money he dey build? Government dey force person build house?” Vivian Umukoro questioned.
“If they are the legal owner of the property why the order or you have intention to collect their properties. Cost of building materials in Nigeria now is times 10 the initial price before you guys took over,” Precious expressed.
“And people used to like this man before o. We nur know say na Ajagungbale,” Greg Fourtwenty reacted.
“We wa dey pH during him tenure as governor. Know say na 7face man. Crook to the bone,” Columbian Chief added.
“These people have joy in causing hardship and pain to the common citizens,” HoneyoutofDeRock stated.
Ogun Government mandates insurance for buildings over two stories
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Ogun State government mandated an All Risk Insurance Policy for all buildings above two stories.
Contractors and developers must ensure that insurance is in place before the start of construction according to the report.