By Emeka Amaefula
FCT EXCO APPROVES N8.4 BILLION FOR WASTE MANAGEMENT, SECURITY BOOST AND FLOOD RELIEF, SPEEDS UP C-of-O ISSUANCE
The Federal Capital Territory Executive Council (FCT EXCO) has approved contracts worth over ₦8.4 billion to enhance waste management, bolster security, and deliver emergency relief to flood victims in Abuja, while rolling out reforms to accelerate Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) issuance and rigorously enforce land regulations.
The Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), Mr. Felix Amechi Obuah, disclosed that these decisions were reached during the council’s 18th meeting. A major allocation of ₦7.3 billion covers waste collection and management services across four districts of the Federal Capital City, including the supply of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) diesel to the Wupa Basic Waste Treatment Plant for a two-year period.
Obuah explained that “the contracts are aimed at strengthening sanitation services and ensuring uninterrupted operations at the Wupa treatment facility, a key component of Abuja’s waste management system.”
EXCO also approved the procurement of food and non-food items to provide urgent relief to residents affected by recent flooding across the territory, aiming to alleviate hardship for vulnerable communities and strengthen emergency response capabilities.
On security enhancements, Director of FCT Procurement, Musa Idris Onsachi, announced the emergency procurement of communication gadgets and other operational equipment for the FCT Security Agency at ₦1,133,802,500.
“The essence of this project is to support the FCT Security Agency in carrying out their assignment within the territory. With the support of these gadgets, the agency will be able to perform its duties more effectively,” Onsachi stated, highlighting that the equipment addresses operational gaps identified at the outset of the current administration.
The Director of Land Administration announced substantial improvements in C-of-O processing, stating that compliant property owners can now obtain their certificates in as little as one week.
He pointed out that delays often stem from applicants’ oversights, such as failing to submit passport photographs, not returning signed letters of acceptance within 21 days of a land offer, incomplete payments, or using unverifiable addresses like P.O. Boxes.
“Generation of a Remita number is not payment. Invoice is not the same thing as receipt. Applicants must ensure they obtain a remitter payment receipt before processing can continue,” he clarified.
The process for securing a C-of-O in the FCT, managed mainly through the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) and the Department of Land Administration, includes these key steps:
- Conduct a title search at AGIS to verify land legitimacy, check for encumbrances, disputes, or government acquisitions.
- Obtain and authenticate a registered survey plan prepared by a licensed surveyor and validated by relevant authorities.
- Complete and submit the official application form with required documents, including the survey plan, allocation letter (if government-allocated), deed of assignment (if purchased), passport photographs, tax clearance certificate, and proof of payment. Submit after paying fees via Remita.
- Ensure full payment completion with official receipts obtained.
- Sign and return the letter of acceptance within 21 days if a land offer is issued.
- Await verification and issuance—now potentially within one week for fully compliant applications.
Regarding enforcement, the director warned of imminent actions against owners who have converted residential properties to commercial use without approval. While some have complied by paying contravention charges, defaulters face severe consequences.
“The administration has been lenient, but enforcement will commence. This may include sealing of properties, revocation of titles and other necessary actions,” he said.
He further appealed to residents to clear outstanding ground rents and statutory charges, as these funds support infrastructure.
“These monies are used to build roads, bridges and maintain the city. We appeal to residents to fulfill their obligations to ensure uninterrupted use of their properties,” he added.
The Chief of Staff to the FCT Minister thanked the media for disseminating government policies and expressed confidence that future EXCO meetings would advance development and responsive governance in the territory.
Emeka Amaefula
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