Concerned FCT residents send SOS to minister over missing ‘land documents’

The Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) has been accused of racketeering in issuance of Certificate of Occupancy (CofO) on legally acquired lands.

The agency under Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), is accused of omitting records of legally acquired parcels of land, despite receiving all documents in that regard.

Among all documents said to be missing include copies of Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) Acknowledgement Receipt of Original Right of Occupancy, and copy of Irrevocable Power of Attorney issued by initial land owners.

According to a source who craved for anonymity, “During the last AGIS regularisation of land titles and documents exercise in 2009, we submitted documents regarding a parcel of farmland that our company had acquired from the initial owner.

“However, my recent enquiry at AGIS about the status of the parcel of land shows no record on AGIS (Land Information Management System), despite the fact that we have the acknowledgement that the papers were submitted for the exercise.

“How do you pay CofO fees for over 5 years, 8 years, even more than 10 years in some cases and yet to receive ordinary CofO while they continuously collect ground rents and all dues. Also there are situations where allocated lands to the public in military zones became difficult for owners to access as military has taken over and for years alternative lands commensurate to the one in dispute has not been reallocated yet the Institution concerned is busy collecting associated fees without consideration to the investment of the affected persons because they don’t have powerful people in authorities to fight for them while those powerfully connected have been rewarded with alternative lands in Asokoro extension, Guzape and similar prime areas, for how long will this oppression continue before the Minister in the new regime of President Tinubu come to the rescue of these innocent investors whose sole aim is to help develop the Abuja Fct Area the Source Wondered.”

He therefore, appealed to the agency to ensure a review and correct the omission in its system.

“Similarly, there are letters by several legal firms and individuals over the years to the past ministers, permanent secretaries and directors of lands of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja FCT, on behalf of victims which were not attended to upto date. Fortunately immediately Minister Wike came into office, a lot of People had hope and has sent Similar appeal letters to his office who are anxiously waiting to see a positive change like in the days of El-Rufai who didn’t spare those cabals trying to frustrate his good efforts.

“Therefore we appeal to Minister Wike (Mr Action) to really look inwards and flush out these bad eggs under his ministry especially the establishment called Agis if he truly want the general Public to see all his good efforts else it’s still business as usual right under his watch even as of the date of this report.

“We appeal to the Honorable FCT Minister to use his very good office to resolve all these issues in the Interest of fairness and Justice as the cases are too numerous to mention and put in Place People with High integrity and if I may ask aloud what happened to Decent People like the Irabors of Old in Agis Who will do their Jobs Faithfully without having to know you at all or Care where you come from. This Is An SOS To Our Able Minister Of The Fct.”