An estate surveyor, Adamu Kasim, has criticised the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, over his directive mandating all land allottees to develop their plots within two years or risk revocation.
Responding to this in a chat to our correspondent, Kasim questioned the legality and practicality of the regulation. He argued that while the minister has the authority to set regulations, such policies must not appear excessive or abusive.
“The minister is empowered by law to set out regulations with regards to allocated plants, but such regulations must not kind of portray the minister as overusing his powers,” Kasim said.
He described the two-year development requirement as unrealistic, particularly within the context of Abuja’s Central Business District, saying, “You must look at the economy of the people and the nation in general, so the idea that you must develop your plot within two years, to me, constitutes abuse of power.
“For the FCT, it is practically impossible to say that all lands allocated in the FCT must be developed within two years, and without this, those plots must be recovered. I think that may constitute abuse of power.”
Kasim highlighted the slow pace of high-profile developments as evidence of the market’s limitations: “It is not possible for the Central Business District to be developed within two years. In fact, just one building that development commenced in 2015 up till today, the capacity of the Abuja property market is not clear. That building is the Churchgate building because the Abuja property market is not yet fully mature enough to absorb the supply side of the market.”
In contrast, other experts welcomed the policy, describing it as a step in the right direction. A former chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Abuja chapter, Ikenna Aghaji, expressed strong support for the minister’s initiative.
He said, “It’s a good idea, as far as I’m concerned. I don’t blame Wike for this one. It will really help. It is opening up all those districts by putting flyovers to link them.”
He stressed that infrastructure like roads and bridges becomes wasteful if the surrounding land remains undeveloped. “So, when you link those areas with those flyovers, and nobody’s building, the aim of the flyovers will be useless. The aim of the roads is that building those roads and infrastructure in those areas will be useless because you can’t build roads for empty land. The use will fail.”
Aghaji added that the presence of buildings on land not only improves aesthetics but also supports proper land use.
He reasoned, “When you see land all over an area, it doesn’t look fine. It looks ugly. But when you see houses on land, the houses bring out the beauty of the land. And makes the area look fine.
“It brings out aesthetics, it brings about development, it brings about proper land use. So, it’s a good thing. I’m in full support.”
He, however, acknowledged that the rule would only be fair if the necessary infrastructure had already been provided. “When an area has not been serviced with infrastructure, then the rule won’t be fair. It is only fair when the area has been serviced,” he said.
An estate surveyor who chose to remain anonymous also commended the policy’s intent but emphasised the need for proper execution.
He said, “Minister Wike’s development plan demonstrates a proactive and comprehensive strategy to address longstanding infrastructural deficits and promote balanced urban growth in the FCT.”
“The emphasis on completing abandoned projects, extending development to satellite towns, and enforcing land use policies reflects a commitment to sustainable and inclusive development. This will increase the housing supply within FCT, thereby availing home seekers various options which, in the long run, will reduce the high rent burden.”
He stressed that the effectiveness of the policy would rely heavily on implementation and transparency. “However, the success of these initiatives will depend on effective implementation, continuous stakeholder engagement, and the ability to navigate bureaucratic and logistical challenges. Monitoring progress and ensuring transparency will be crucial in maintaining public trust and achieving the envisioned transformation of Abuja.”
Responding to the concerns raised, the Director of Press at the Housing Ministry, Badamasi Haiba, defended the minister’s actions, asserting that they are within legal bounds.
“He is exercising his power. Nobody is going to come and say it is right or wrong. We can’t tell him that what he has done is wrong as long as it is constitutional. It is under his jurisdiction. They have control over whatever. It’s all planned. They decide where they want it,” Haiba said.
Recall that the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, articulated this directive during a meeting with the Acting Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi, emphasising that land allocations would henceforth be contingent upon the recipient’s commitment and capacity to develop the land within a specified timeframe.
He stated, “My policy now, before I approve land to any agency, is that that agency will commit that it will develop this land within so, so many years. If you do not develop, the FCT should take back your land.”
Further reinforcing this stance, the Director of the FCT Land Administration Department, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, announced that land allottees are now required to develop their plots within two years of receiving the Right of Occupancy. Failure to comply would result in the revocation of the allocation, as part of broader reforms aimed at curbing land speculation and ensuring optimal land use in the FCT.
