The Federal Capital Territory is set to strengthen its security infrastructure following the ratification of a ₦1,133,802,500 contract by the FCT Executive Committee for the emergency procurement of advanced communication gadgets and equipment.
Director of FCT Procurement, Musa Idris Onsachi, revealed this decision after Monday’s 18th EXCO meeting in Abuja. He explained that the investment is intended to close critical equipment gaps identified by FCT Minister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike upon taking office.
“These tools are essential to support the FCT Security Agencies in carrying out their assignment within the territory,” Onsachi noted, adding that previous support has already enabled agencies to “do their work diligently.”
In addition to security, EXCO approved several high-value initiatives aimed at infrastructure and social welfare. Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, Felix Obuah, announced the ratification of ₦7.3 billion in contracts for waste management services across four districts and for the supply of AGO diesel to the Wupa Waste Treatment Plant.
The Council also approved the procurement of food and non-food items to assist residents affected by flooding.
Officials highlighted that processing times for Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) have been significantly reduced.
“As long as you pay your certificate of occupancy bill, you could have your C-of-O within a time period as short as one week,” they stated.
They further emphasized that the minister now signs these documents within 24 to 48 hours of receipt, cautioning that delays are often caused by applicant errors, such as failing to submit passport photographs for embossing or neglecting to return a signed “Letter of Acceptance” within 21 days of the initial grant.
The administration also warned that its leniency regarding property owners who have illegally converted residential buildings into commercial hubs is coming to an end.
While some owners have complied with formalization charges, many remain in default.
“Any moment from now, the administration will begin to carry out its enforcement actions on those properties,” officials said.
