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Court bars Wike, FCDA, Arab Contractors, others from Abuja Centenary City
The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a restraining order against the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), preventing them from interfering with the Centenary Economic City Free Zone located along Airport Road, Abuja.
Additionally, Justice Inyang Ekwo’s ruling includes an injunction against the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and Arab Contractors (OAO), prohibiting any further encroachment on the site.
Justice Ekwo also made an order nullifying and setting aside in its entirety, all executive actions, steps, decisions, and administrative controls, including the forceful encroachment of the premises by OAO at the instructions of the minister, FCTA and FCDA without the prior consent of the plaintiffs and the overriding approval of Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA).
The judge held that the encroachment contradicted Sections 4 and 13 of NEPZA Act Cap N107 LFN 2004, provisions of Section 5 (3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and therefore, was unconstitutional, illegal, unlawful, void and of no effect whatsoever.
He also made an injunction order restraining them from exercising any executive or regulatory control on the zone, “which occupies the Land, measuring 1,264.78 hectares with beacons coordinates: PB57-PB59, PB60-PB69, PB70-PB79, PB80PB89, PB90-PB99 and PB1000-PB104, located at Airport Road, Wawa District, Cadastral Zone E24, FCT, Abuja.”
“An Order is hereby made directing Arab Contractors (OAO) Nigeria Limited, to immediately vacate the portion of the Centenary Economic City Free Zone, which it illegally occupies at the instructions of the 5th, 6th and 7th defendants against the provisions of Sections 4 and 13 of NEPZA Act, without the express approval of the NEPZA,” he added.
Justice Ekwo, therefore, ordered Arab Contractors to pay to the plaintiffs, the sum of N100 million only for the forceful invasion and destruction of the plaintiffs’ master plan of the zone, designed by Eagle Hills Properties LLC, of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at a cost of 35 million dollars.
The judge, who ordered the company to pay a N50 million general damages, also directed the firm to pay N5 million as cost of the action.
He equally ordered an interest on the entire judgement sum at the rate of 10 per cent per annum, commencing from the time of the delivery of the judgement till the entire judgement sum is fully liquidated by construction firm.
The certified true copy of the judgement, was delivered on Feb. 6.
The 1st and 2nd plaintiffs; Centenary Economic City Free Zone and Centenary City Free Zone Company, had sued the Nigerian president, the Attorney-General of Federation (AGF) and NEPZA as 1st to 3rd defendants.
Also joined in the originating summons marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/2130/2022 included the minister of Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment; FCT minister, FCTA, FCDA and Arab Contractors as 4th to 8th defendants respectively.
In the suit filed in 2022, the Managing Director of the 2nd plaintiff, Mr Ikechukwu Odenigwe, in the affidavit deposed to, averred that the 1st plaintiff was licensed as a Free Zone, under NEPZA on Sept. 10, 2014, while the 2nd plaintiff was licensed as a Free Trade Zone Company on Oct. 10, 2014, during President Goodluck Jonathan-led government.
Odenigwe said on Dec. 5, 2022, the Centenary City Project was approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
“Pursuant to the centenary celebration, the Centenary City Pic, a real estate development and investment company was established on April, 2013.
“Land measuring 1,264.78 hectares was allocated to Centenary City Pic., for the development of the Centenary City in the FCT, following a development agreement entered with the FCTA,” he said.
He said the recommendation made by the the minister of Trade for the designation of 1,264.78 hectares of land at Wawa District, as the Centenary Economic City Free Zone, FCT, Abuja, was approved by the Presidency.
“The said approval was also communicated to the Managing Director, Centenary City Plc., via a letter dated 16th September, 2014.
“Upon the fulfilment of statutory requirements, a certificate was issued by the NEPZA, licensing Centenary Economic City as a Free Zone.
“The 2nd plaintiff was also issued an operating license,” he said.
The MD said the Centenary Economic City Free Zone was designed by Eagles Hills Properties LLC.
He, however, alleged that despite its lack of authority and without the permission of NEPZA, which had the regulatory power, the FCTA asked Arab Contractors to convert parts of the Free Zone land to their site yard.
Odenigwe alleged that Arab Contractors defaced and destroyed the master plan of the Centenary Economic City Free Zone.
The MD, who told the court that the company now endangered the assets and investments of the Federal Government with their conducts, said it was in the interest of justice to grant the reliefs as sought.
Although the president, AGF and Minister of Trade did not file any process, NEPZA said the plaintiffs had not disclose any reasonable cause against it.
But in their counter affidavit, the 5th, 6th and 7th defendants argued that the plaintiffs were not the allottees of all the parcel of land.
They further argued that based on the certificate of occupancy issued by the then FCT minister, the allottee was Centenary City Plc, and not any of the plaintiffs.
Besides, they said that the plaintiffs were not the allottees of the license issued by NEPZA.
They averred that the creation of the Centenary City as a Free Zone did not oust the powers of FCDA within the zone, insisting that the plaintiffs and NEPZA failed to carry along the FCTA and FCDA.
According to them the master plan of the FCT supersedes any other plan by any individual, including the plaintiffs and NEPZA.
They argued that they gave part of the land to the company because the expansion of a road linking Kuje Community with Airport Road was awarded to the firm.
Delivering the judgment, Justice Ekwo held that the plaintiffs had proven their case through the exhibits tendered and by the provisions of Sections 5 (1) (a) and (b), (2), and (3) (a) and (b), 147, 148, 299 (a) and (b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended); Sections 4, 8, 10 (1) and (2) and 13 of the NEPZA Act, and Section 19 of the FCT Act.
“The plaintiffs are therefore entitled to the claims sought in this case and I so hold,” he said.
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Lagos schedules meeting with owners of distressed buildings.
The Lagos State Government has said it would soon arrange a meeting with developers/owners of distressed buildings on how best to address the redesign and remodelling of such structures by November.
This was disclosed recently by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluyinka Olumide, at a function in Alahusa, Lagos.
Olumide said the prevalence of distressed buildings in different parts of the state was worrisome and needed the urgent attention of all stakeholders.
He said, “The Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development as mandated by the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, 2019, as amended, was willing to extend its responsibility for approving the remodelling of existing buildings to provide technical assistance to developers and owners of distressed buildings, especially on the design and remodelling of such buildings.
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FG threatens contractors over Enugu-Onitsha road delay
The Federal Government has instructed the contractors responsible for the 107km Enugu-Onitsha road dualization to expedite the project.
This directive was given by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, during a meeting with MTN, the Enugu State Government, and the contractors, RCC Ltd and Nigercat Ltd, on Friday.
According to a statement released on Friday, the minister said he is disappointed over the slow pace of work on the project, he said, “Let me express my disappointment over the slow pace of work on that project. It is one of the worst roads in this country.
“Everywhere we have diversion; diverting from the one that RCC and Nigercat had completed, the contractors are not kind enough to even put stone based on the diversion points.”
He added, “So, by the reason of the launching of our Operation Free our Roads, it is now a violation of the policy on the side of the controllers and directors of the Federal Ministry of Works where we have vehicles falling on any project that is ongoing or where there are potholes on our roads.”
He also blamed the sufferings of road users on the lack of commitment and insensitivity of the contractors.
“The public must know that the President’s intention is not for them to suffer while trying to fix the roads, and it is their right to insist that contractors should fix the roads that they are engaged on,” he said.
The Minister commended the Enugu state government for their resolve to fund the construction of a 20 KM section of the road and expressed hope that MTN would execute the second phase of the project.
He noted, “Why the Enugu State government is intervening is because of the slow pace of work by the contractors and because of funding issues. The essence of tax credit is for funds to be made available. And so, I don’t see RCC going to keep their promise to finish this project in 6 months.
“My advice to MTN is to look for another contractor within that axis if they want to get the job done. Division of labour is even the best. While they are doing the road, and if Nigercat is doing a good job, you can give them greater scope to do if you want to finish that job.”
He warned contractors that the Federal Government would not accept phased handovers of projects and has phased out Variation of Price in contract administration.
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Ekiti state government mediates land dispute between traditional ruler and family in Epe-Ekiti
The Ekiti State government has intervened to resolve a longstanding land dispute between the Elepe of Epe-Ekiti, Oba Ayodele Adesoye, and the Atolagbe family. The government cautioned against the misuse of modernization as an excuse to disregard traditional customs.
In line with the community’s traditions, the government has ordered the release of resources, including palm trees at Oko Oba Farmland, to Oba Adesoye for his administration. This decision ensures the continued adherence to age-old practices.
Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, announced the resolution in Ado-Ekiti. The decision was made after considering the Elepe’s claim to Oko Oba Farmland based on historical evidence.
Mrs. Afuye acknowledged the Elepe’s right to be the custodian of Oko Oba Farmland, citing longstanding traditions that support his claim. The decision reflects the importance of respecting historical practices and ensuring their preservation.
The deputy governor, however, told the monarch in clear terms that other princes and princesses from all the three ruling houses should be allowed to farm on the land without payment of royalty.
Mrs Afuye appealed to the community to comply with the government’s position to restore unity, peace and orderliness to the beleaguered community.
Oba Adesoye expressed gratitude for the government’s decision and pledged to foster peace and unity between the throne and the community, aiming to accelerate Epe’s development.
Representing the Atolagbe family, Dr. Yemi Agbeleoba acknowledged their willingness to cede Oko Oba Farmland to the monarch. However, he emphasized the need for all three ruling houses to participate for a lasting and traditional solution.
Agbeleoba expressed appreciation for the government’s directive, believing it will contribute to resolving the long-standing conflict.
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