Wike Approves Fresh Land Titles For 374 Property Owners In Abuja, Imposes ₦5m Penalty For Illegal Land Use Conversion

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has approved the issuance of new Statutory Rights of Occupancy (R-of-O) and Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) to 374 property owners across 15 streets in Abuja, following findings that the owners illegally converted the land use of their properties without government approval.

In a public notice issued by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), the affected property owners were directed to pay a penalty of ₦5 million each within 30 days, effective Wednesday, September 10, 2025.

The notice listed the affected locations as Gana Street, Maitama; Usuma Street, Maitama; Yakubu Gowon Crescent, Asokoro; Aminu Kano Crescent and Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse II; Ladoke Akintola Boulevard, Garki II; Gimbiya Street, Garki II; Onitsha Street, Garki II; Ogbomosho Street, Garki I; Lafia Close, Garki I; Yola Street, Garki I; Abriba Close, Garki I; Danbatta Street, Garki I; Ringim Close, Garki I; and Ilorin Street, Garki I.

“All affected allottees who, without approval, converted the land use of their properties on the above-listed streets—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),” the notice read.

The FCTA added that the affected owners must present their original title documents and valid identification at the Department of Land Administration to collect new letters of conveyance approving the land use change and specifying applicable fees.

Mr Wike also approved the issuance of new title documents to the affected property owners, reflecting the updated land use of the properties for a fresh term of 99 years, once all conditions are met. However, the exercise does not cover properties whose titles were earlier revoked for non-development, non-payment of ground rent, or other violations.

According to the FCTA, the fresh exercise is aimed at curbing widespread abuse of Abuja’s land allocation guidelines, where properties originally designated for residential or commercial use were illegally converted.

It will be recalled that on August 8, 2025, Mr Wike inaugurated two ad hoc committees with a two-week mandate to review land use and purpose clauses across Abuja. One of the committees specifically examined areas overtaken by activities contrary to their approved allocations.

Receiving their report last week, Mr Wike had warned property owners against indiscriminate conversions, vowing strict sanctions.

“I’m aware that certain areas are designated for residential purposes, certain areas are designated for commercial purposes, but people believe they can do anything without approval,” the minister said.

“So, they change residential to commercial, and if you don’t sanction them, it will continue. We must let you know that we have to apply the sanctions as required, and anybody who does not comply, we have no choice but to revoke the title and withdraw it.”