FCT Minister Wike orders probe into disputed sale of FG houses, institutes vetting committee

FAVOUR ISHEMBER, Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Administration is re-examining the disputed sale of federal government houses in Abuja, focusing on the 2003-2005 housing monetization program.

This program allowed thousands of civil servants to purchase public homes on an owner-occupier basis. The review aims to address “serious irregularities and infractions” found in the program’s implementation.

The move follows the discovery of what officials described as “serious irregularities and infractions” in the handling of the scheme, particularly in the capital city, where deviations from approved mandates, improper verifications, late payments, inadequate documentation, and poor interdepartmental coordination were recorded.

To rectify these issues, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has established vetting committees to review sales documents and reconcile discrepancies.

The Director of Land Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, emphasized that this initiative aims to restore order, accountability, and transparency in FCT land administration.

The Vette Committee 1 has as its Mandates to: Review sales documents and reconcile discrepancies in the sale of federal government houses.

Meanwhile, the vetted committee 2 investigates the titling of designated park plots and management of allied land parcels and ensures alignment with current land reform policies.

The 2003-2005 monetization policy, introduced under President Olusegun Obasanjo, aimed to reduce governance costs and empower civil servants through home ownership.

However, implementation flaws led to disputes over multiple allocations, forged documents, and delayed title issuance.

The vetting exercise is expected to bring the sales process in line with the original policy framework, restore public trust in the FCTA, ensure sanitation in the system, and align activities with current land reform policies.

The FCT Minister has expressed confidence that the committees will complete their tasks within a reasonable timeframe, enjoying full political backing from the administration as part of the “Renewed Hope Agenda”.