The Minister Nyesom Wike‑led Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has announced a final 14‑day grace period for property owners in key districts of the Federal Capital City (FCC), to pay a ₦5 million violation fee for unapproved land‑use change and conversion.
Key Details of the Policy
According to a statement from the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the grace period begins Tuesday, 11 November 2025, and is targeted at property holders in the high‑profile districts of Asokoro, Maitama, Garki and Wuse.
The affected streets/locations include:
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Gana Street, Maitama District
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Usuma Street, Maitama District
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Yakubu Gowon Crescent, Asokoro District
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Aminu Kano Crescent and Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse II District
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Ladoke Akintola Boulevard, Gimbiya Street and Onitsha Street in Garki II District
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Ogbomosho Street, Lafia Close, Yola Street, Abriba Close, Danbatta Street, Ringim Close and Ilorin Street in Garki I District.
Under the reviewed land‑use regime, property owners who converted or changed the use of their plots without formal approval are required to pay:
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A flat violation/penalty fee of ₦5 million naira.
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A conversion fee of 7.5% of assessed capital value of the property, where applicable.
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Statutory fees applicable to the new land‑use classification (e.g., fresh Right of Occupancy/Certificate of Occupancy documentation).
The statement made clear that failure to comply within the 14‑day period will trigger enforcement actions including sealing of properties, revocation of titles, and possible re‑auctioning.
Why the Move?
The FCTA flagged widespread violations of the land‑use/purpose clause in key parts of Abuja. These include instances where properties originally approved for residential use were converted into offices, hotels or other commercial uses without formal approval.
The committee set up under the FCT Minister found that the total capital value of properties affected by unapproved conversions in the reviewed locations is over ₦1.03 trillion naira.
Minister Wike described the corrective measure as non‑negotiable, stating that the Administration is working to “raise the funds needed for development” and “will not tolerate” such land‑use infractions.
Reactions and Implications
Property owners in the listed areas now face a decision: meet the requirements (pay the violation fee + complete formal conversion process), or risk losing their title altogether. The issuance of new titles (Statutory Right of Occupancy and Certificate of Occupancy) for a fresh 99‑year term is offered to those who comply.
Observers say the policy may help restore regulatory discipline in Abuja’s land market, especially in high‑value districts where unapproved conversions have been rampant. However, there are concerns about fairness and communication: some allottees may argue they were unaware of the conversion rules, or dispute the assessed penalties.
For real‑estate investors and homeowners, this means heightened risk for properties in the flagged areas. It underscores the importance of ensuring that land‑use changes are formally approved and documented.
What to do if you are Affected
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Property owners in the listed streets should visit the FCTA’s Department of Land Administration with their original title documents and valid means of identification to apply for the land‑use change/conversion approval.
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Check whether your property’s approved use matches the actual use; if it has been changed without formal approval, begin the conversion/regularisation process immediately.
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Confirm payment of statutory Right of Occupancy/Certificate of Occupancy bills and other property‑related charges, to avoid triggering other enforcement measures from the FCTA.
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Seek professional legal or real‑estate advice if the title is under dispute, or if the property has a contentious conversion history.
Bottom line
The FCTA under Minister Nyesome Wike has effectively drawn a line in the sand: property holders in several prime Abuja districts have a 14‑day window to comply with the land‑use regulations by paying a ₦5 million naira violation fee and regularising conversions, or face serious consequences including title revocation. The move signals a tougher regulatory stance on land‑use compliance in the Federal Capital City.
