The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has approved an immediate waiver of Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) fees for the Abuja campus of the Nigerian Law School located in Bwari.
The decision followed an appeal by the Director-General of the institution, Olugbemisola Odusote, who drew attention to infrastructure challenges and the absence of proper land documentation during a meeting with the minister in Abuja.
Wike expressed concern that the Law School had operated for years without a valid C-of-O since relocating to Bwari. He subsequently directed the FCT Administration’s Director of Lands, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, to waive all processing fees and ensure the certificate is issued within one week.
The minister stressed that regularising the institution’s land status was critical, describing the lack of documentation among government institutions as a widespread issue his administration is determined to address.
Beyond the waiver, Wike declared an emergency on key infrastructure projects at the campus, particularly staff housing. He announced plans to construct an additional 10 staff quarters to complement the 10 units already completed and scheduled for commissioning as part of activities marking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.
According to him, the expansion will help ease accommodation pressure and improve staff productivity.
Wike also confirmed approval for the construction of a new auditorium at the institution, while querying delays in contractor mobilisation to the project site.
He noted that the interventions align with the Federal Government’s broader commitment to strengthening legal education and supporting the judiciary.
“Anything we can do to support our students, we are ready to do. The staff quarters project must be treated as an emergency to ensure quick delivery,” the minister said.
