The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced that it will launch a major enforcement exercise on November 26, 2025, targeting property owners who have failed to settle statutory fees, including ground rent, land use change charges, conversion fees, and Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) as well as Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills.
The announcement was made in a statement on Thursday by Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Why the Crackdown Is Coming
According to Olayinka, defaulters include residents who have not paid required dues or those who purchased properties but have not regularised their ownership by obtaining the Minister’s consent and registering their deeds of assignment.
He noted that after President Bola Tinubu intervened in May 2025, Minister Wike granted a 14-day grace period for payment of outstanding ground rent and penalties. Additional notices were issued on September 8–10, 2025, outlining revised land-use clauses within the FCT.
Multiple Warnings Already Issued
Olayinka explained that several public notices were published in national newspapers, online platforms, radio, and television, giving a 30-day deadline for payment of violation fees—including a ₦5 million penalty for land-use change or conversion infractions.
A final warning was later issued to property owners in Asokoro, Maitama, Garki, and Wuse, giving them 14 days to comply with approved land-use terms.
Full Enforcement Starts November 26
“Beginning Wednesday, November 26, 2025, the FCTA will commence strict enforcement against all defaulters of ground rent, land-use change or conversion fees, as well as R-of-O and C-of-O bills,” Olayinka said.
He emphasized that the operation would cover:
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Owners who have not paid statutory charges
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Individuals who bought properties without registering ownership
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Those who failed to obtain the mandatory Minister’s consent
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Property owners who violated approved land-use classifications
The FCTA maintains that the enforcement is necessary to enhance urban management, boost revenue, and ensure compliance with Abuja’s land administration regulations.
