The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), through its Department of Land Administration, has begun issuing offers of Statutory Rights of Occupancy (R-of-O) to beneficiaries under the first batch of regularised land documents from the Area Councils.
The development marks a significant step in the Federal Capital Territory’s ongoing land administration reforms aimed at resolving longstanding challenges surrounding plot allocation and title regularisation in Abuja.
Minister Approves Reform Initiative
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, approved the exercise as part of a broader reform agenda designed to address decades of irregular land documentation across the FCT Area Councils.
According to officials, the initiative is intended to bring clarity, transparency and legal certainty to thousands of landholders whose documents had previously remained outside the statutory framework.
Building an Orderly Capital Territory
The Director of the FCT Department of Land Administration, Chijoike Nwankwoeze, disclosed the commencement of the exercise while speaking during an interaction with Abuja Digest in his office.
Nwankwoeze described the issuance of Statutory Rights of Occupancy as more than an administrative process, noting that it represents a cornerstone for building a more structured and efficient capital territory.
He explained that formalising Area Council land titles would unlock new revenue streams for the government through the collection of ground rents and taxes. Additionally, it is expected to significantly reduce land disputes that have historically burdened the court system and drained public resources.
By resolving uncertainties in land ownership, the administration aims to strengthen governance and restore confidence in Abuja’s property market.
Boost to Urban Planning and Investment
The Director further stated that the exercise would empower urban planners to develop the capital city in alignment with its original master plan.
He noted that transparent and digitised land records would enhance planning efficiency and curb the proliferation of informal developments that often complicate infrastructure expansion.
“Transparent land records are expected to boost investor confidence, attract development and economic growth, and demonstrate that government reforms can deliver real, lasting benefits — a win for governance, business and the people,” he said.
Industry stakeholders have long argued that unclear land documentation remains a major barrier to investment in parts of the FCT, particularly within Area Councils where customary and administrative overlaps have persisted.
Legal Security for Landowners
The issuance of Statutory Rights of Occupancy provides government-recognised ownership status, offering stronger legal protection against disputes or arbitrary revocation.
Under Nigerian land law, a Statutory Right of Occupancy serves as official proof of title, giving holders enforceable rights over their property subject to existing regulations.
Nwankwoeze emphasised that the new titles would make properties legally bankable, enabling owners to access loans, mortgages and other financial services from banks and financial institutions.
With recognised documentation, landholders can more confidently sell, lease or transfer their property. The process of obtaining building approvals and development permits is also expected to become more streamlined.
According to the Director, the formal inclusion of properties in official land records enhances transparency, traceability and long-term security for families and investors alike.
Addressing Backlogs and Delays
The Department of Land Administration indicated that efforts would focus on clearing longstanding backlogs in land document regularisation.
For years, many allottees in the FCT Area Councils have faced delays in securing statutory titles despite completing initial allocation processes. The current exercise seeks to resolve these bottlenecks and ensure that beneficiaries receive their titles within a defined timeframe.
Officials described the move as part of a structured effort to modernise land administration systems and eliminate inefficiencies that have slowed property documentation.
Alignment with Federal Reform Agenda
Nwankwoeze stated that the initiative aligns with the FCT Minister’s broader vision for land administration reforms and supports the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises effective service delivery and good governance.
He advised members of the public — particularly individuals who have submitted documents for regularisation — to monitor national newspapers for official publications and regularly visit the department’s website for updates.
Prospective beneficiaries can obtain further information through the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) portal at agis.fcta.gov.ng.
Reform with Long-Term Impact
Observers say the successful implementation of the Statutory Rights of Occupancy issuance could reshape land administration in the FCT by improving regulatory oversight and strengthening property rights.
If sustained, the reform may reduce litigation, increase internally generated revenue and encourage structured urban development in Abuja and its surrounding Area Councils.
For landowners awaiting formal recognition, the commencement of the issuance exercise signals a potential end to years of uncertainty — and a new phase in the capital territory’s property governance framework.
