FCTA TAKES BOLD STEP TO RESOLVE RIVERPARK ESTATE DISPUTE

The Federal Capital Territory Administration has taken decisive action to address the long-standing dispute over the Riverpark Estate in Abuja. Following a thorough investigation, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has approved corrective measures that include declaring the Development Lease Agreement void and withdrawing all undeveloped plots within the estate.

The decision was based on the recommendations of a committee set up on August 8, 2025, to investigate the crisis and propose reforms to protect residents and restore administrative order. The committee, chaired by Salman Dakko, General Counsel and Secretary of the FCT Legal Service Secretariat, highlighted the urgent need for reform, warning that the pattern of conduct identified in its review “risks institutionalising systemic abuse, eroding investor confidence and gravely undermining the integrity of land administration in the FCT.”

Key aspects of the approved recommendations include the repossession of undeveloped lands and the retention of titles for subscribers who have built in compliance with planning rules. “Direct that all undeveloped portions of land within the boundaries of Riverpark Estate be withdrawn and reverted to the FCT-Administration,” the committee stated. Additionally, “Holders of previous ‘customary’ titles whose plots fall within the Riverpark Estate boundaries and who have developed in accordance with applicable planning and development control regulations, be permitted to retain their titles.”

The committee also directed that affected but undeveloped title holders be relocated to the Kpoto District. A Transitional Special Management Committee will be established to oversee estate security, verify legitimate subscribers, and manage title regularisation. This committee will comprise FCTA officials, the Riverpark Estate Residents Association, and security agencies.

Furthermore, the minister has been advised to formally declare the lease over Riverpark lapsed due to fundamental breaches and expiration. “Formally declare that the DLA has lapsed and stands void by reason of fundamental breach of its terms and conditions, as well as expiration by effluxion of time,” Dakko stated.

In a significant move to rectify irregularities, the committee recommended that all irregular Certificates of Occupancy be voided and replaced with fresh titles issued directly to verified subscribers. Upholding these recommendations, Minister Wike stated, “I hereby approve every recommendation made by the committee.”

The FCTA has also outlined preventive reforms to avoid future disputes, including automated alerts for lease expirations, stricter reviews of mass housing projects, and revisions to guidelines to prohibit “shares-for-land” arrangements. These measures are expected to enhance transparency and accountability in land administration within the FCT.