The FCT Minister Dr. Aliyu Modibbo Umar, yesterday inaugurated the pioneer FCT Land Use Allocation Committee (LUAC).

 At the occasion, the minister said because it is imperative that due process and rule of law must be followed in the dispensation of FCTAs responsibility, the inauguration is one way to fulfill that pledge. 

He said the Committee, whose constitution is enshrined in the Land Use Act shall be responsible for advising the minister in any matter connected with the management of land with particular reference to land allocation and other related matters.

 The LUAC, the minister added, would also advise the minister on any matter connected with resettlement of persons affected by the revocation of rights of occupancy on the grounds of overriding public interest.

 Dr. Aliyu Modibbo Umar said the Committee will also determine disputes as to the amount of compensation payable under the Land Use Act for improvements on any land.

 He said the inauguration of the committee, expected to meet twice a month in the first instance, is a very important assignment because the issue of land in the territory is one of utmost importance to residents or importance to residents or those who wish to make FCT their home or place of abode.

 The 11-member committee includes Dr. R. O. Ogunbabi, FCTA Permanent Secretary as Chairman, Eng. Adamu Samaila, Chief of Staff to the FCT Minister, as members, Dr. Ismaila Iro, General Manager AGIS, member, Mal. Abubakar Suleiman, Director, Urban and Regional Planning, member, Mal. Yahaya Yusuf, Director, Development Control, member, M.M. Alkali, General Counsel to the FCTA, Alh. Saka Olajide, a retired urban planner, member, representatives of the NUJ, NBA, Nigerian Economic Summit, while Nana H. Buhari, Director of Lands a member will also serve as Secretary.

 Chairman of the Committee, Dr. R.O. Ogunbabi, assured the minister that the committee shall put in place a structure that will stand the test of time and will be guided by the principles of justice, equity and fairness.