Amid the controversy surrounding the Paul OSA Ogbeboh Estate in Abuja, Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has urged individuals alleging land grabs by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to present valid proof of ownership.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Olayinka called on those spreading false claims to provide credible evidence, such as a Right of Occupancy or Certificate of Occupancy issued by the FCTA. He also cautioned social media activists against being used to disseminate misinformation.
“The most reasonable thing for anyone to do is to find out from both sides before going public with any issue,” he advised.
Olayinka specifically addressed a viral video concerning a plot of land located in Life Camp, identified as Plot No. 2241, Gwarimpa District, Cadastral Zone C02, Abuja, challenging those claiming ownership to substantiate their claims with legitimate documentation.
Olayinka said; “A construction company, Paulosa Nigeria Limited occupied the land as a temporary office, under a Temporary Right of Occupancy arrangement granted in 1984 (40 years ago).
“For 36 years, the company occupied the land, built permanent structures on it and rented them out without any approval from the government.
“On November 18, 2020, after occupying the land for 36 years without approval, Paulosa Nigeria Limited applied to the then Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, for the conversion of the Temporary Right of Occupancy to a Statutory Right of Occupancy.
“On February 1, 2023, approval was granted to Paulosa Nigeria Limited for a Statutory Right of Occupancy, subject to certain terms and conditions.
“Some of the terms and conditions are; payment of Ground Rent Per Square Meter Per Annum, which was N50K/m² from 2022 to 2023, amounting to N2,332,143; payment of Premium of N500/m², amounting to N11,660,715 and payment of Ground Rent from 1984 to 2021 (37 years), amounting to N43,144,645.
“However, for 20 months, Paulosa Nigeria Limited refused to comply with the terms and conditions for the approval.
“Consequent upon the failure of Paulosa Nigeria Limited to comply with the terms and conditions for approval granted for a Right of Occupancy on the said land, the approval was revoked on October 10, 2024, more than 20 months after it was given.
“From the above, it should be clear that Paulosa Nigeria Limited never at any time, owned the land.”
