The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has approved the issuance of fresh Statutory Rights of Occupancy (R-of-O) and Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) to 374 property owners across 15 streets in Abuja after they were found to have illegally converted the use of their properties without approval.
In a public notice issued on Sunday, September 7, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) said the affected property owners must each pay a penalty of ₦5 million within 30 days, starting Wednesday, September 10, 2025.
The notice read: “All affected allottees/holders of properties who, without approval, converted the land use of their properties on the above-listed streets/locations—having violated the terms and conditions of grant of the Right of Occupancy—are hereby given thirty (30) days from Wednesday, 10th September, 2025 to pay a penalty/violation fee of Five Million Naira (₦5,000,000.00).”
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It added that property owners must visit the FCTA Department of Land Administration with original documents and valid identification to collect their letters of Conveyance of Approval.
New title documents will reflect the updated land use for a fresh term of 99 years.
The administration clarified that the exercise does not cover land or titles earlier revoked over non-development, unpaid ground rent, or other breaches.
Wike, while receiving a committee report on land misuse last week, had warned against indiscriminate alterations of designated purposes.
“I’m aware that certain areas are designated for residential purposes, certain areas are designated for commercial purposes, but people believe that they can do anything without appropriate involvement,” he said. “If you don’t sanction them, it will continue to be so.”