 Minister, Nyesom Wike, has approved sweeping reforms aimed at transforming land administration in the FCT.){kind=link}
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has approved sweeping reforms aimed at transforming land administration in the FCT.
Effective April 21, 2025, the new regulations are designed to encourage sustainable urban development, bolster investor confidence, and ensure secure and legally recognized land titles for property owners within the territory.
During a press briefing on Friday, the Director of Land Administration, FCTA, Chijioke Nwankwoeze and Media Aide to the Minister, Lere Olayinka, highlighted the key elements of the reform package, which include stricter timelines for payments and land development, alongside measures to regularize land documents issued by Area Councils.
One of the most significant changes is the introduction of a firm 21-day deadline for allottees to complete payment of prescribed fees, rents, and charges related to statutory rights of occupancy.
Also, the submission of a completed Letter of Acceptance and proof of payment must be made within this period. If these conditions are not met, the offer will be rescinded, and any late payments will be considered invalid.
To further stimulate development and curb land speculation, allottees will now be required to commence land development within two years of receiving their Statutory Right of Occupancy.
This new timeframe aims to address revenue delays, foster infrastructure development, and reduce land racketeering in the FCT.
The reforms also include new provisions for the regularization of Area Council land documents. Allottees who have successfully vetted and confirmed Area Council land documents will have 60 days to pay all outstanding bills, fees, rents, and charges to receive their statutory titles. Failure to meet the deadline will render the offers invalid.
In a bid to streamline the process of land allocation, the FCTA has directed the Zonal Land, Planning, and Survey offices across the six Area Councils to submit all land documents to the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS) for proper vetting.
Between 2006 and 2023, the FCT Area Councils submitted 261,914 land documents for regularization, but only 3.2%—or 8,287—have been vetted, with just 2,358 being fully regularized.
The Minister has also prioritized mass housing projects and sectional interests, with clear pathways for property holders and developers to obtain land titles.
Starting on April 21, 2025, applications for titling within Mass Housing Estates will be processed by the Department of Land Administration in accordance with the new operational framework.
These reforms, according to the Director of Land Administration, are expected to streamline the land administration process, enhance revenue generation, curb land speculation, and ensure the timely development of allocated lands while regularizing Area Council land allocations.
With these initiatives, the FCTA aims to foster a more efficient, transparent, and sustainable approach to land management, contributing to the growth and modernization of the Federal Capital Territory.