The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike has approved the move for the withdrawal and revocation of houses sold to some individuals in the capital city.

The FCTA announced the latest development during a press conference by its Director for Department of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, in Abuja on Friday.

According to Galadima the Federal Government in 2005 initiated the monetisation programme because of the cost of maintaining the houses.

He explained that the houses were sold to the occupiers so they could maintain them.

He, however, said that some of the occupiers went ahead and converted the houses from residential to other uses.

Galadima said, “It is on this note that the minister has approved and directed that all owners of such properties should revert the use of the properties to its original and designated land use which is residential.

“Failing to comply with this directive as from Nov. 1, the house is considered as revoked. We are given such persons and individuals until the end of October to revert to their original uses.

“The minister has also directed that owners of properties, particularly along major streets that have converted their properties to other uses without approval should either revert to original use or pay contravention charges.”

He warned that those who fail to heed this warning and follow the directive will have themselves to blame.