Thousands of property owners across Abuja have been granted a two-week window to settle long-standing land charges following a high-level directive from the Presidency aimed at halting a sweeping revocation exercise.
The decision, which affects nearly 4,800 properties flagged for non-compliance, comes after the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) launched a widespread enforcement operation against owners who had failed to meet their statutory obligations for up to four decades.
At a media briefing in Abuja, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, Director of Land at the FCTA, confirmed that the enforcement began on May 26, targeting government bodies, companies, and individuals alike.
He revealed that the presidential intervention provides a 14-day window for affected titleholders to regularize their dues, but not without financial consequences. Penalties of up to ₦5 million will be imposed depending on the property’s district:
₦5 million for properties in the Central Business District,
₦3 million for Maitama, Asokoro, Guzape, and Wuse II,
₦2 million for Wuse I, Garki I, and Garki II,
—all in addition to the original outstanding ground rent.
The issue of unregistered property transfers also came under scrutiny. Individuals who acquired properties without updating ownership records have been given the same two-week deadline to obtain Minister’s Consent and properly file their Deeds of Assignment with the FCT Land Administration.
Meanwhile, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has reinforced the administration’s stance, urging all property holders yet to pay their Rights of Occupancy or Certificates of Occupancy to do so within the same 14-day period—or risk revocation.
The FCTA says these measures are crucial for maintaining the integrity of urban planning and funding infrastructure development across the capital city.
“We urge all stakeholders to treat this as a final opportunity. Property owners must begin to take responsibility if we are to sustain the pace of progress in Abuja,” Nwankwoeze stated.
This move marks a turning point in the administration’s land policy, blending enforcement with a final olive branch to restore compliance.
