River Park Estate: FCTA to Issue New C of O to Genuine Owners

By Sofiat Adenekan-Abdul

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has assured residents and property owners in the embattled River Park Estate that the FCT Administration has no plans to revoke their properties.

This comes amidst growing concerns following the demolition of several structures deemed illegal by the Department of Development Control.

Addressing journalists on Saturday, after inspecting affected parts of the estate, Wike emphasized that the administration’s focus is on enforcing proper procedures, not dispossessing Nigerians of their homes.

“All these cries that the FCTA wants to take their property is neither here nor there. That is not the intention of the FCTA,” he said.

Wike explained that the original lease for the land was granted over 20 years ago to a Ghanaian firm, Jonah AD, which later handed over development rights to a third party, Paulo Homes—an act that contravenes the lease terms.

“Only the Ghanaian company has business with us,” Wike clarified, adding that the lease has since expired, nullifying Paulo Homes’ activities on the site.

The Minister announced that all Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) issued through Paulo Homes have been voided. However, he reassured genuine property owners that they will not lose their investments.

“We are going to issue them new C of O. All those who are here should be rest assured that nobody is going to collect their property,” he said.

The Minister revealed plans to meet with River Park homeowners in the coming week to discuss the reissuance of valid documentation and next steps for regularization.

Wike also visited the arterial road N5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way) construction site to evaluate progress. Earlier in the day, he paid his respects at the funeral of the late FCTA Head of Civil Service, Mrs. Grace Adayilo, acknowledging her contributions to public service.