Posted by By FRANCIS AWOWOLE-BROWNE, Abuja on
In demonstration of its avowed transparency and commitment to the rule of law, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is set to embark on the review of allocations of hundreds of plots of land carried out by the previous administration, which was headed by Mallam Nasir el-Rufai.
In demonstration of its avowed transparency and commitment to the rule of law, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is set to embark on the review of allocations of hundreds of plots of land carried out by the previous administration, which was headed by Mallam Nasir el-Rufai.
Also several plots of lands stand to be revoked as the FCTA plans to construct about 35 kilometer Boulevard, stretching from the Eagles Square in the Central Business Area to the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport next year.
Minister of the FCT, Dr. Aliyu Modibbo Umar, who made this known yesterday in his office, while receiving Board members of Northern Nigerian Development Company (NNDC), led by its Group Managing Director, Alhaji Aliyu Alkali, said the move is aimed at bringing Abuja into world class city as envisaged by its founding fathers.
It would be recalled that President Umar Yar'Adua had earlier ordered the stoppage of further allocation of lands in the capital city, saying the move is to help the government take inventory of available plots of land yet to be allocated.
The minister, while dropping the hint of review of the land allocation, said that the Boulevard will be built through Public-Private-Partnership to save the government the time and the energy of sourcing funds for the project.
According to him, an international construction firm in the Federal Capital Territory is already working on the design of the project to show commitment.
Dr. Umar revealed that 'all those who invested in the project would have their investment recouped through the auctioning of the plots along the Boulevard to the would-be buyers at real competitive price."
The minister stated that the construction of Boulevard next year will assist the FCT Administration to give definition to the Abuja City because it will lead to the realization of carving a niche for it.
He restated that the Boulevard will become the busiest area in the Federal Capital City with attendant world class infrastructure that can be compared to any international city in the world.
Dr. Umar further said that the Boulevard that would consist of a wide road lined with trees and greenery will have world class hotels, shopping malls and recreation centres that will be environmental friendly.
The minister remarked that his administration is determined to build on the successes of the previous administrations to build an all- inclusive city with the sanctity of the Master Plan in mind.
His words, 'We are really determined to continue to build on the legacy of the past, carry on the vision and expand it a little bit."
He, however, advised the Board and management of NNDC to diversify by going into agricultural commodities, like sesame seeds and ginger, by encouraging farmers and teeming up with the Abuja Commodity Exchange.
The minister urged the company to get listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange to mop up additional funds for its projects; recalling that 80 per cent of textile companies in the country are situated in the northern region and therefore urged the company to revive them to provide employment opportunities to Nigerians.
Speaking earlier, the Group Managing Director of NNDC said that they have identified a place in the Central Business District of Abuja to construct a five-star hotel and therefore solicited for the minister's cooperation.
Alhaji Alkali stated that NNDC has also concluded plans to construct 250 housing units in the 19 states of the north and Abuja .