By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka,Abuja
The Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) has taken a significant step towards resolving the long-standing issues of land disputes, house ownership conflicts, and demolitions in its communities. The Executive Chairman of AMAC, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, has inaugurated a 32-member Fact-Finding Committee tasked with investigating and addressing these challenges, according to a press release from Madaki Kinsley, the Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Executive Chairman on Wednesday.
The committee, comprising legal experts, town planners, community leaders, and media representatives, has been mandated to review the legality and procedure of past and proposed demolitions, investigate multiple allocations and conflicting ownership claims, and document the rights of indigenous communities regarding their ancestral lands.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Chairman Maikalangu emphasized the need for lasting solutions to these disputes, which have hindered peaceful community development. “For too long, the cries of our residents regarding property rights have gone unanswered or been addressed with temporary measures,” he stated. “This committee’s mandate is non-negotiable: to go to the root of these conflicts, identify illegal transactions, and establish a clear path to rightful ownership.”
The committee’s chairman, the Council Secretary, pledged to discharge their duties with integrity, impartiality, and diligence. “We are acutely aware of the gravity and sensitivity of our mandate,” he said. “The issues surrounding land disputes, house ownership conflicts, and demolitions have plagued our communities for too long, eroding public confidence and hindering genuine development.”
The committee is expected to propose phased strategies for resolving these issues and recommend measures to prevent future conflicts. The Senior Special Assistant on Community Development to the Executive Chairman AMAC, Hon Shitu Usman Chidawa, described the committee as “one of its kind in the history of FCT” and pledged to begin work immediately.
The inauguration of the committee is seen as a significant step towards establishing a clear, lawful, and equitable framework for land management in AMAC. The committee’s findings and recommendations are expected to bring relief to residents and promote peaceful development in the area.
The 32-member committee is expected to work diligently to address the complex issues surrounding land disputes, demolitions, and ownership conflicts in AMAC. Their report is eagerly awaited by residents and stakeholders, who hope for a more stable and secure future.
The AMAC administration has assured the public that it is committed to bringing justice and order to the land sector, and this committee is a crucial step towards achieving that goal.
The committee’s mandate is expected to be completed within a specified timeframe, and their recommendations will be implemented to prevent future conflicts and promote peaceful development in AMAC.
