The Federal Capital Territory Executive Council (FCT EXCO) has approved contracts valued at over N8.4 billion to boost waste management, strengthen security operations, and provide emergency relief for flood-affected residents, while also tightening land administration and enforcement across Abuja.
At its 18th meeting, the council ratified two major memos, according to the Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), Mr. Felix Amechi Obuah.
The first approval covers N7.3 billion for waste collection and management services across four districts in the Federal Capital City. The contract also includes the supply of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) diesel to the Wupa Basic Waste Treatment Plant for two years to ensure uninterrupted operations at the facility, a critical component of Abuja’s sanitation system.
Obuah said the initiative is aimed at strengthening environmental sanitation and maintaining efficient waste treatment services in the capital.
The council also approved the procurement of food and non-food items to support residents affected by recent flooding in parts of the FCT, providing urgent relief to vulnerable communities.
In a separate briefing, the Director of FCT Procurement, Musa Idris Onsachi, disclosed that EXCO ratified the emergency procurement of communication gadgets and other operational equipment for the FCT Security Agency at a cost of N1,133,802,500.
He explained that the equipment would address operational gaps identified by the current administration, enhancing the agency’s capacity to discharge its duties effectively within the territory.
Meanwhile, the Director of Land Administration announced improvements in the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O), stating that applicants can now receive their documents within one week after fulfilling all requirements.
He noted that delays are often caused by failure to submit passport photographs, return signed letters of acceptance within 21 days of land offer, or properly complete payment procedures.
“Generation of a Remita number is not payment. An invoice is not the same as a receipt. Applicants must obtain a remitter payment receipt before processing can continue,” he clarified, adding that the use of unverifiable addresses, such as P.O. Box numbers, could also delay issuance.
On land use violations, the director warned that enforcement actions would soon begin against property owners who converted residential buildings to commercial use without approval. While some allottees have complied and paid contravention charges, others remain in default.
He said enforcement measures could include sealing of properties, revocation of titles, and other statutory actions. Property owners were also urged to clear outstanding ground rents and statutory charges, noting that such revenues fund infrastructure projects and maintenance across the FCT.
The Chief of Staff to the FCT Minister commended the media for supporting the dissemination of government policies and expressed confidence that future EXCO meetings would continue to drive development initiatives in the territory.