The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced plans to begin a large-scale enforcement operation next week against property owners defaulting on ground rents, Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) payments, and land use conversion fees across Abuja.
The move follows the first FCTA Executive Council meeting of 2026, chaired by Minister Nyesom Wike, where officials resolved to intensify action on revenue recovery and land compliance.
Director of Land Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, said the operation will involve sealing off properties and revoking titles of defaulters, especially those who have illegally converted residential properties into commercial use without proper authorisation or payment of required charges.
According to Nwankwoeze, the enforcement will focus on high-value areas such as Aminu Kano Crescent, Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent in Wuse, and parts of Garki Areas 7 and 8.
“Land was given for residential purposes, but you converted it to a bank. You are collecting money from banks every day, but you don’t want to pay the FCTA its due,” Nwankwoeze stated.
He added that ground rents for commercial properties differ significantly from residential rates, noting that owners must regularize their property use by paying conversion fees and adjusted annual rents.
“There will be no sacred cows in Phase 1 and 2,” he warned.
The director also revealed that the 2026 enforcement will be broader in scope than the 2025 exercise, which focused mainly on defaulting property owners who failed to pay ground rents.
He explained that despite the administration’s decision to formalize certain conversions in accordance with Abuja’s urban planning standards, many titleholders have continued to ignore the payment requirements.
The FCTA reiterated its commitment to restoring order, enforcing compliance, and boosting internally generated revenue through strict adherence to land administration laws.
