The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has appointed Mr. Alakirawa Ularam as the new Overseeing Director of the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS), effective May 29, 2026.

Ularam succeeds Mr. Umar Sayyadi, who retired after completing a distinguished 35-year career in the service of the FCTA.

The appointment is expected to bolster ongoing reforms aimed at improving land administration services and accelerating the digitalisation of land records across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Before his appointment, Ularam served as Deputy Director and Head of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the Department of Land Administration, where he played a significant role in deploying and managing technology-driven solutions for land administration processes.

Colleagues and staff members described him as a disciplined, hardworking and result-oriented officer known for his practical approach to leadership and service delivery.

Speaking during the official handover ceremony attended by management and senior staff of AGIS and the Department of Land Administration, Ularam pledged to sustain the agency’s standards of transparency, professionalism and efficient service delivery.

He assured stakeholders of his commitment to building on the achievements of his predecessor while introducing innovations that would improve access to land administration services for residents of the FCT.

The appointment forms part of the FCTA’s broader efforts to strengthen institutional capacity and enhance public service delivery through effective leadership and technology-driven governance.

AGIS is responsible for land information management, documentation and administration in the FCT, and plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency and efficiency in land-related transactions.

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Abuja is fast becoming one of Nigeria’s most structured and predictable real estate markets, as new data shows the capital, alongside Lagos and Port Harcourt, accounts for over 60 percent of new residential developments nationwide.

However, analysts say Abuja’s growth stands out not just for its scale, but for its organised and policy-driven structure.

Unlike other cities, Abuja’s real estate expansion is guided by planning frameworks, institutional demand, and regulated land systems.

Structured Planning Drives Abuja Advantage

Real estate experts highlight Abuja’s origin as a master-planned city as a key factor behind its stability.

The city was designed using structured land use strategies, which continue to influence how housing demand and supply evolve.

At the centre of this system is the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS), which manages land administration through a centralised and digitised process.

This provides investors with clearer documentation, stronger title security, and reduced risk compared to other markets.

In contrast, cities like Lagos often face challenges linked to informal land ownership systems and documentation issues.

Institutional Demand Fuels Property Market

Abuja’s housing demand is largely driven by government institutions rather than just population growth.

Civil servants, political office holders, diplomats, and international organisations form a steady demand base for housing in the city.

This makes the market more stable and less volatile compared to other urban centres.

Property analysts note that this institutional demand helps sustain consistent growth, even during economic uncertainty.

High Property Prices Reflect Premium Market

The structured nature of Abuja’s real estate market is reflected in its pricing.

The average cost of a house in the city is estimated at about ₦182 million, with higher prices in premium areas such as Maitama, Asokoro, and Wuse II.

Meanwhile, emerging districts on the outskirts offer more affordable options, although prices continue to rise.

The pricing trend confirms Abuja’s position as a premium residential market.

Infrastructure-First Development Model

Another key strength of Abuja’s real estate sector is its infrastructure-first approach.

In many cases, roads, utilities, and public services are developed before housing projects begin.

This reduces development risks for investors and improves living conditions for residents.

It also ensures more organised urban growth compared to cities where housing expansion outpaces infrastructure.

Challenges Facing Abuja Housing Market

Despite its advantages, Abuja’s real estate sector still faces several challenges.

Experts point to bureaucratic delays, rising construction costs, and gaps in housing data as major concerns.

Affordability also remains a critical issue, as increasing property prices push home ownership beyond the reach of many middle-income earners.

Comparison with Lagos and Port Harcourt

Compared to Abuja, Lagos offers higher returns but comes with greater risks, especially in land acquisition and regulatory uncertainty.

Port Harcourt, on the other hand, has a more volatile property market tied to the performance of the oil and gas sector.

Abuja stands out for its balance between growth and stability, making it attractive for long-term investment.

Future Outlook for Abuja Real Estate

With Nigeria’s housing deficit estimated between 22 and 28 million units, demand for residential property is expected to remain strong.

Annual housing demand is projected to grow by about 4.3 percent, with Abuja attracting a significant share.

Analysts believe that continued urbanisation and improved land administration will further strengthen the city’s position.

Abuja is increasingly seen as a model for structured urban development in Nigeria.

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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.

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Dan Asabe made this appeal while assuming office at No. 4, Peace Drive, Central Business District, Abuja.

He emphasized the importance of the staff and management’s cooperation to achieve the mandate for which the Agency was established. Dan Asabe commended the leadership style of the FCT Minister, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, noting its transformative impact on the Nation’s Capital.

Expressing gratitude to the Minister for finding him worthy to head the agency, Dan Asabe promised to upgrade AGIS’s services to align with global standards. He highlighted the Agency’s mandate to ensure proper geospatial data generation, management, record-keeping, and revenue collection for the FCT Administration, stressing the need to enhance these services.

READ ALSO: How To Verify, Acquire Property In FCT

Dan Asabe pledged to operate an open-door policy and welcomed constructive criticism to assist him in his responsibilities. He also expressed his commitment to contributing positively to the achievement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ as exemplified by Minister Nyesom Wike.

In his remarks, the outgoing Acting Director of AGIS, Dr. Alfa Kure, expressed gratitude to the staff for their cooperation and urged them to extend the same support to the new Director.

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He acknowledged the contributions of his predecessor, Dr. Isa Ibrahim Jalo, in his joining the AGIS services and expressed satisfaction with his achievements during his tenure. Dr. Kure promised to continue giving his best to the FCT Administration.

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