The Federal Capital Territory Executive Council (FCT EXCO) has approved contracts totaling over N8.4 billion aimed at bolstering waste management services, enhancing security infrastructure, and providing emergency relief for flood victims across the territory.
The decisions were reached at the 18th EXCO meeting, with officials disclosing details of the approvals in separate briefings on Tuesday.
The largest allocation, amounting to N7.3 billion, was ratified for the provision of waste collection and management services across four delineated districts of the Federal Capital City.
The contract also covers the supply of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) diesel to the Wupa Basic Waste Treatment Plant for a two-year period.
Mr. Felix Amechi Obuah, Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), explained that the contracts are designed to strengthen sanitation services and ensure the uninterrupted operation of the Wupa facility, a critical component of Abuja’s waste management infrastructure.
In addition to sanitation, EXCO approved the procurement of food and non-food items to support residents affected by flooding across the FCT. The intervention is intended to provide urgent relief to vulnerable communities recently impacted by flood incidents.
In a separate briefing, the Director of FCT Procurement, Musa Idris Onsachi, announced that EXCO had ratified the emergency procurement of communication gadgets and other operational equipment for the FCT Security Agency at a cost of N1,133,802,500.
Onsachi stated that the equipment would bridge critical operational gaps identified since the current FCT administration assumed office.
“The essence of this project is to support the FCT Security Agency in carrying out their assignment within the territory. With the support of these gadgets, the agency will be able to perform its duties more effectively,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Director of Land Administration outlined significant improvements in the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O), revealing that property owners who meet all requirements can now obtain their certificates within as little as one week. He attributed previous delays to applicants’ failure to submit passport photographs, return signed letters of acceptance within 21 days, or complete payment processes correctly.
“Generation of a Remita number is not payment. Invoice is not the same thing as receipt. Applicants must ensure they obtain a remitter payment receipt before processing can continue,” he explained.
He also warned that incorrect addresses, including the use of P.O. Boxes instead of verifiable residential locations, could delay issuance.
On land use enforcement, the Director disclosed that imminent actions would be taken against property owners who converted residential buildings to commercial use without approval. While some allottees have complied with government directives and paid contravention charges, others remain in default.
“The administration has been lenient, but enforcement will commence. This may include sealing of properties, revocation of titles, and other necessary actions,” he said.
He further urged property owners to pay outstanding ground rents and other statutory charges, emphasizing that such revenues fund infrastructure development and maintenance across the FCT.
The Chief of Staff to the FCT Minister thanked the media for their support in disseminating government policies and expressed optimism that subsequent EXCO meetings would continue to drive development initiatives across the territory.
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