The Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS), a key agency under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has come under serious scrutiny following accusations of racketeering in the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy (CofO) on legally acquired lands. The agency is alleged to have deliberately omitted records of legally acquired parcels of land, even after receiving the necessary documents, leaving landowners frustrated and without proper legal documentation for their properties.
The allegations against AGIS revolve around the omission of crucial land records, including Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) acknowledgment receipts for Original Right of Occupancy and irrevocable powers of attorney issued by original landowners. These documents, despite being submitted, are said to be missing from AGIS’s Land Information Management System, raising concerns over the transparency and efficiency of the agency.
A source, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed his frustration with the agency, recalling the 2009 AGIS regularization exercise where his company submitted documents for a parcel of farmland acquired from an initial owner. Despite receiving an acknowledgment that the documents were submitted, a recent enquiry revealed no records of the parcel in AGIS’s system. “How do you pay CofO fees for over five, eight, or even more than ten years, and yet receive nothing in return?” the source lamented, adding that AGIS continues to collect ground rents and other dues without issuing the necessary documentation.
Further complicating the situation, the source highlighted that many allocated lands in military zones have become inaccessible due to military occupation. In such cases, affected landowners have yet to be reallocated alternative parcels, even though they continue paying fees. Meanwhile, those with connections in high places have reportedly been rewarded with prime alternative lands in desirable areas such as Asokoro Extension and Guzape. “For how long will this oppression continue?” the source questioned, appealing to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to intervene.
The issue, according to the source, is not new. Several letters from legal firms and individuals on behalf of victims have been sent over the years to past ministers, permanent secretaries, and directors of lands in the FCT, but have yet to be addressed. However, with Minister Wike’s arrival, many are hopeful for a change. “Minister Wike came into office, and a lot of people had hope,” the source said. “Many have sent similar appeal letters to his office, anxiously waiting to see a positive change like during the days of El-Rufai, who didn’t spare those trying to frustrate his efforts.”
The source urged Minister Wike, known for his proactive leadership style, to look into AGIS and address the systemic issues within the agency. “We appeal to Minister Wike (Mr. Action) to really look inwards and flush out the bad eggs under his ministry, especially within AGIS, if he truly wants the public to see all his good efforts. Otherwise, it’s still business as usual, even under his watch,” the source warned.
The appeal further emphasized the need for integrity within AGIS, urging the Minister to appoint people of high moral standing to resolve the issues and ensure fairness and justice. “This is an SOS to our able Minister of the FCT,” the source concluded, calling for the restoration of trustworthy leadership in the agency.
