Nyesom Wike: FCT Minister Closes Secretariat of Dissolved FG Houses Committee

• Minister Nyesom Wike has ordered the closure of the secretariat for the dissolved Ad-hoc Committee on Sales of Federal Government Houses in the FCT.
• The Department of Land Administration will now handle all matters related to sales of federal government houses in the FCT.
• The public is warned against fraudsters posing as staff or members of the defunct committee or its secretariat.
• Lawyers advising clients on property transactions in the FCT should be aware of this shift and adjust their procedures accordingly.

With the formal closure of the secretariat, the general public is enjoined to henceforth, approach the Department of Land Administration on all issues relating to sale of Federal Government Houses in the FCT.

In a move aimed at streamlining property transactions in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister Nyesom Wike has ordered the immediate closure of the secretariat for the dissolved Ad-hoc Committee on Sales of Federal Government Houses. The committee, which was responsible for overseeing the sale of federal government houses in the FCT, completed its assignments and was subsequently dissolved. According to a statement from the FCT Administration, the secretariat was retained after the committee's dissolution to attend to issues arising from its activities. However, with the formal closure of the secretariat, all inquiries related to the sale of federal government houses should now be directed to the Department of Land Administration.

The FCT Administration's decision to close the secretariat is likely driven by a desire to prevent potential conflicts of interest and ensure transparency in property transactions. The creation of a division within the Department of Land Administration to handle matters related to sales of federal government houses may also be intended to improve efficiency and accountability. However, lawyers advising clients on property transactions in the FCT should be aware that this shift may require adjustments to their procedures and protocols. It is essential for them to verify the authenticity of any documents or communications from the Department of Land Administration to avoid potential pitfalls.

The FCT Administration has issued a warning to the public against individuals posing as staff, officers, or members of the defunct committee or its secretariat. These fraudsters may attempt to exploit the situation for personal gain by offering false services or soliciting payments under false pretenses. The public is urged to be cautious and verify the identity of any individual claiming to represent the Department of Land Administration or the dissolved Ad-hoc Committee on Sales of Federal Government Houses.

Lawyers advising clients on property transactions in the FCT should be aware that the secretariat for the dissolved Ad-hoc Committee on Sales of Federal Government Houses has been closed, and all inquiries should now be directed to the Department of Land Administration.

Source: Original reporting via Punch Newspapers