Gabriel Enenche —
The President, Chairman of Council, Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), Aliyu Wamakko in a signed statement, has revealed that the attention of the association has been drawn to news making the rounds in respect to online publications concerning land grabbing cases in Abuja, the Nigerian capital.
These are people that encroach on lands that do not belong to them with impunity by carrying out construction activities. Citing a recent case where seven suspects were arrested in Guzape, a district in Abuja, for land racketeering, Wamakko said these are persons bent on grabbing lands that do not belong to them.
“There are other pockets of cases where land grabbing have been expressed, the REDAN chief added.
“As a Self-Regulatory Organization for the Real Estate and Umbrella body of the Organized Real Estate Firms in the business of housing and estate development nationwide, we hereby state emphatically and categorically too that we detest such anomalies.
“Anyone who is interested in getting land should procure it genuinely by approaching the Government or the owners and not encroach on land which is not legally acquired.
“We have often asserted that we have zero tolerance for any member who is involved in any form of unethical dealings in the business of housing development. As such, use this medium to call on our Members in particular to abide by any guidelines as stipulated by any of the land and housing related Departments of the FCTA.
The REDAN boss also called for compliance with extant laws by members of REDAN which he said is in agreement with the association’s membership code of conduct and performance commitment form.
“Compliance with extant law is advised for all Members, he continued.
“This is in tandem with the REDAN Membership Code of Conduct & Performance Commitment Form signed while registering as member of the Association.
“Accredited Members found to be involved in any messy transaction will be brought to book, as we shall not harbor or condone any land grabber or racketeers.
“Paramount amongst our concern is adherence to maintaining the Abuja Master plan as designed and reviewed by the Federal Capital Territory Administration.
“In addition to this, we urge Members to comply with other Extant Laws on Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism by reporting transactions as stated by the Special Control Unit on Money Laundering and Nigeria
Financial Intelligence Unit.
“Members should note that any established deviant behavior shall be met with stiff sanction which may involve removal from the Registry of REDAN and blacklisting, and such report escalated to Government
Agencies for information and record”, the REDAN boss concluded.
