Introduction to the Land Use Regulations in Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Mr. Nyesom Wike, has given property owners who violated land use regulations in parts of Abuja, the nation’s capital, a final 14-day grace period to pay a N5 million conversion fee. This decision comes after a 30-day window granted by the FCTA in September for the payment of the penalty had expired.
Background of the Land Use Violations
In early September, the FCT minister fined some property owners in Abuja for converting their buildings to other uses without approval. Most of the properties were converted from residential to commercial use. The affected areas include Gana Street and Usuma Street in Maitama, Yakubu Gowon Crescent in Asokoro, Aminu Kano Crescent and Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent in Wuse II, Ladoke Akintola Boulevard, and Gimbiya Street.
Affected Areas and Property Owners
Other affected areas include Onitsha Street in Garki II, as well as Ogbomosho Street, Lafia Close, Yola Street, Abriba Close, Danbatta Street, Ringim Close, and Ilorin Street in Garki I. Some of the affected property owners include Abdullahi Ganduje, former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC); Olagunsoye Oyinlola, ex-governor of Osun; Atanda Fatai-Williams and Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, former Justices of the Supreme Court; and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, NNPC, Limited.
Terms and Conditions for Compliance
The Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), His Excellency, Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, has magnanimously granted a final grace period of 14 calendar days from Tuesday, November 11, 2025, for all affected allottees/holders of properties along the said streets/locations to comply with the terms and conditions of the approval for land use change/conversion. Failure to comply within the stated 14-calendar-day grace period will result in enforcement actions by the FCT Administration.
Benefits of Compliance
Property owners who regularise their land use will be eligible for new title documents. The Honourable Minister has, in addition, graciously approved the issuance of new title documents (Statutory Right of Occupancy and Certificate of Occupancy) in favour of the affected property owners, reflecting the updated land use of the properties for a fresh term of 99 years, upon fulfilling all necessary conditions.
Exclusions
The current exercise does not cover titles that were earlier revoked for non-development, non-payment of ground rent, or other infractions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the FCT Minister has given a final 14-day grace period to property owners who violated land use regulations in Abuja to pay a N5 million conversion fee. This decision aims to ensure compliance with land use regulations and maintain order in the nation’s capital. Property owners are advised to take advantage of this opportunity to regularise their land use and obtain new title documents.
FAQs
- Q: What is the penalty for violating land use regulations in Abuja?
A: The penalty is a N5 million conversion fee. - Q: How long do property owners have to pay the penalty?
A: Property owners have a final 14-day grace period from Tuesday, November 11, 2025. - Q: What happens if property owners fail to comply within the stated period?
A: Failure to comply will result in enforcement actions by the FCT Administration. - Q: Are there any benefits for property owners who comply?
A: Yes, property owners who regularise their land use will be eligible for new title documents. - Q: Does the current exercise cover all types of titles?
A: No, the current exercise does not cover titles that were earlier revoked for non-development, non-payment of ground rent, or other infractions.
