The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has issued a final 14-day ultimatum to property owners in several highbrow districts of Abuja who have violated approved land use regulations. This decisive move comes after previous notices failed to yield full compliance from defaulters.
Final Grace Period for Compliance
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has approved a final 14-day grace period for property owners in Asokoro, Maitama, Garki, and Wuse districts who altered their property's approved land use without proper authorization. According to a statement released by the Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the defaulters now have until Tuesday, November 25, 2025, to regularize their documents.
The regularization process requires affected property owners to pay a violation fee of N5 million, in addition to other applicable charges for the change or conversion of land use. The FCTA's statement contained a stern warning that "failure to comply within the stated 14 calendar days grace period will result in enforcement actions by the FCT Administration."
Background and Affected Locations
This final ultimatum follows earlier public notices published by the FCTA on September 8, 9, and 10, 2025, in various national newspapers and online platforms. These initial notifications informed allottees and title holders across 15 streets and locations in the Federal Capital City about the reviewed land use clauses affecting their properties.
The administration had previously granted a 30-day window for the payment of violation fees, which expired one month ago. The minister's decision to extend a final 14-day grace period represents the last opportunity for compliance before enforcement actions begin.
The comprehensive list of affected locations includes:
- Maitama District: Gana Street and Usuma Street
- Asokoro District: Yakubu Gowon Crescent
- Wuse II District: Aminu Kano Crescent and Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent
- Garki II District: Ladoke Akintola Boulevard, Gimbiya Street, and Onitsha Street
- Garki I District: Ogbomosho Street, Lafia Close, Yola Street, Abriba Close, Danbatta Street, Ringim Close, and Ilorin Street
Regularization Process and New Title Documents
Property owners who changed their plots' approved land use without authorization are directed to visit the Department of Land Administration with their original title documents and valid identification. There, they can obtain their Letters of Conveyance of Approval, which contain detailed information about the approved conversion and all applicable fees.
In a significant development, the minister has approved the issuance of new title documents for compliant property owners. These include Statutory Rights of Occupancy and Certificates of Occupancy that reflect the updated land use for a renewed term of 99 years, provided all conditions are met.
However, this consideration explicitly excludes properties whose titles have already been revoked or withdrawn for reasons such as non-development, non-payment of ground rent, or other violations. The FCTA's firm stance underscores its commitment to enforcing urban planning regulations and maintaining the master plan of the Federal Capital Territory.
