The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Friday warned owners of event centres, hotels and other public buildings in Abuja against permitting illegal organisations to use their facilities, saying violators risk losing their property titles.
The directive comes amid increasing political activity in the FCT as political parties and interest groups begin meetings and positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A statement by Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, Lere Olayinka, said that land allocations within the Federal Capital Territory are strictly for lawful purposes, adding that sanctions would be imposed on defaulters.
The stated noted that “going forward, title documents of any event centre, hotel or public building that is used for the gathering of illegal organisations will be revoked.”
The new directive, the statement said, formed part of measures aimed at strengthening security and supporting efforts to maintain peace and order in the nation’s capital.
“In view of the need to further ensure the security of lives and properties in the FCT and sustain the efforts of security agencies in this regard, usage of event centres, hotels and other public buildings will now be closely monitored.
“This is aimed at ensuring that they are not used by illegal organisations for gatherings capable of disrupting the peace of the nation’s capital,” the statement read.
The administration urged owners of such facilities to verify the legality of organisations seeking to use their premises and ascertain the purpose of such gatherings before approving bookings.
“Owners of these facilities are therefore urged to take cognisance of the legality of organisations seeking to use their facilities and the purpose before letting them out,” the statement added.
The FCTA also warned operators of event centres and hotels to be cautious in dealing with political groups, especially during the ongoing political season.
“For instance, in this political season, owners of event centres and hotels in particular must ensure that they only deal with Independent National Electoral Commission-recognised leadership of political parties in respect of the use of their facilities, and proper records of transactions must be kept,” the statement said.
It further warned that non-compliance with the directive would attract severe consequences.
“Failure to comply with this directive will result in the revocation of the title documents for such properties,” it warned.
