The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has approved fresh Statutory Rights of Occupancy (R-of-O) and Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) for 374 property owners across 15 streets in Abuja.
The decision came after investigations by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) revealed widespread abuse of land allocations. Officials discovered that many property owners had converted their plots from their original purpose without seeking approval.
READ ALSO: FCTA Slams ₦5m Penalty on Illegal Land Use in Abuja
In a public notice, the FCTA directed all affected owners to pay a ₦5 million penalty within 30 days, starting Wednesday, September 10, 2025. The notice also instructed them to visit the Department of Land Administration with original documents and valid identification to collect approval letters.
According to the statement, property owners who meet all conditions will receive new title documents reflecting the updated land use. The new titles will run for a fresh term of 99 years. However, this exercise excludes properties whose titles were revoked earlier due to non-development, non-payment of ground rent, or other violations.
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The directive affects properties on the following streets and districts:
- Maitama: Gana Street, Usuma Street
- Asokoro: Yakubu Gowon Crescent
- Wuse II: Aminu Kano Crescent, Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent
- Garki II: Ladoke Akintola Boulevard, Gimbiya Street, Onitsha Street
- Garki I: Ogbomosho Street, Lafia Close, Yola Street, Abriba Close, Danbatta Street, Ringim Close, Ilorin Street
Minister Wike warned that the administration would continue to sanction illegal conversions.
“I know some areas are strictly residential, while others are for commercial purposes. Yet, people think they can change usage without approval. If we don’t act, the abuse will spread. Anyone who refuses to comply risks losing their title,” he said.
READ ALSO: Wike Orders List of Ground Rent Defaulters, Signals Sanctions
This move follows the submission of reports by two ad hoc committees Wike set up on August 8, 2025, to review land use clauses in Abuja. One committee focused on properties where commercial and other activities had overtaken residential areas.
With this directive, property owners must now regularise their documents and comply with land-use regulations. Urban analysts say the step could restore order in Abuja’s urban planning and discourage further abuse of the allocation system.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
