The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is taking decisive steps to improve the lives of its residents through two major initiatives: combating malaria and recovering unpaid ground rents. These efforts, spearheaded by FCTA officials, aim to enhance public health and ensure financial responsibility across the territory.

Combating Malaria in the FCT

The FCTA has initiated a comprehensive campaign to eliminate malaria within the Federal Capital Territory. Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, the Mandate Secretary of Health Services and Environment Secretariat, announced the distribution of free malaria drugs and test kits. This two-year program is a “decisive and deliberate” action, backed by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, who ensured the 2024 counterpart fund was paid, enabling the FCT’s participation in the 2025 malaria program. Dr. Fasawe emphasized the urgency of the fight against malaria, stating that a child dies every minute from the disease in Nigeria, underscoring the critical importance of this intervention.

Revocation of Land Titles Over Unpaid Ground Rent

In a move to recover outstanding debts, the FCTA has revoked 4,794 land titles due to unpaid ground rent accumulated over more than 10 years. Mr. Chijioke Nwankwoeze, the Director of Land in the FCTA, announced that the administration would take possession of properties with revoked titles. The total amount owed by 8,375 property owners is N6.97 billion. Affected entities include government institutions, private organizations, and individuals. Some notable entities include the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nigerian Port Authority (NPA), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), National Universities Commission (NUC), Nigeria Security Printing and Minting Company (NSPMC), and Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), among others.

Mr. Nwankwoeze clarified that while the FCTA has revoked the land title of the PDP in the Central Area due to an outstanding ground rent of N7,603,504 million from 2006 to 2025, the Wadata Plaza, which houses the PDP Headquarters in Wuse Zone 5, is not owned by the PDP but by Samaila Maman. The revocation notice for this property has been served to Mr. Maman at his Kaduna address.

Opportunity for Reinstatement

There is a window for affected land title owners to appeal to the Minister for reconsideration. Mr. Nwankwoeze advised against resorting to blackmail and urged title holders to approach the Minister for a possible reinstatement of their titles. The revoked titles are primarily located in the 10 oldest districts in Phase I, which are fully serviced with engineering infrastructure and other amenities. The FCTA urges all land title holders to pay their ground rents promptly, including those in Phase II districts such as Gudu, Utako, Mabushi, and others.

Additional Approvals by FCT EXCO

In addition to these initiatives, the FCT EXCO has approved contracts for the procurement of earth-moving machines and equipment for the Department of Development Control under the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), awarded to Matrak Nigerian Limited for N1,940,572,410. The council also approved N242,827,450 for the FCT-IRS to procure Microsoft 365 software, aimed at enhancing revenue generation and collection.

These actions demonstrate the FCTA’s commitment to improving public health, ensuring financial accountability, and enhancing operational efficiency within the Federal Capital Territory.