Abuja: The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has intensified enforcement at River Park Estate, Abuja, by halting what it describes as illegal development in the area. The Director of the Department of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, led the operation, emphasizing that the action targeted those who ignored a ministerial directive to stop further construction on the property. This operation aims to ensure full compliance with the ministerial order.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Galadima noted that the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, had inaugurated an ad-hoc committee on August 8 to review controversies surrounding River Park Estate. The committee’s report explained that the revocation of undeveloped plots was necessary due to the expiration and breach of the Development Lease Agreement (DLA). This revocation aims to reassert administrative control over the affected plot in line with Clause 9.2 of the DLA.
Galadima explained that the committee also directed that holders of previous customary titles, whose plots fell within River Park Estate boundaries and had been developed in accordance with applicable regulations, be allowed to retain their titles. This recommendation aligns with a subsisting court judgment referenced in paragraph 16.3. The latest enforcement by the FCTA seeks to ensure total compliance with the directive.
The department had previously conducted similar operations at the estate but returned upon receiving reports of ongoing construction despite repeated warnings. Galadima mentioned that they acted promptly to stop the development and remove the structure being erected. He stated that the department is collaborating with the FCT Legal Secretariat to initiate legal action against those flouting the directive.
Galadima dismissed any notion that the developer was beyond government control, emphasizing that no individual or entity is above the law. He also confirmed that the developer was fully aware of the stop-work directive, having been informed through the ministerial committee’s findings and public notices. All vacant plots will be reverted to the FCT Administration, and the next line of action will be determined after consultations with the legal secretariat.