Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has taken a firm stand against land use violators in Abuja by issuing stringent penalties for properties converted without approval. According to a report, defaulters are required to pay a flat N5 million fine in addition to a 7.5 percent charge on the value of converted properties.
This directive followed the findings of a committee led by Muktar Galadima, which exposed widespread abuse of the Land Use Act in prestigious areas such as Ademola Adetokunbo Street, Aminu Kano Crescent, Yakubu Gowon Street, and Gana Street. Properties in these zones, illegally converted for residential, commercial, or mixed use, are estimated to be worth over N1 trillion. The committee recommended severe sanctions including sealing, demolition, revocation of land titles, and withdrawal of rights of occupancy for defaulters who fail to comply within 30 days.
In a related development, President Bola Tinubu intervened to grant affected property owners a two-week grace period. During this window, defaulters can settle their outstanding ground rent along with the imposed penalties. According to Chijioke Nwankwoeze, Director of Land Administration, properties located in the Central Area must pay the N5 million fine plus the owed ground rent. Properties in Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, and Guzape are subject to a N3 million penalty, while those in Wuse I, Garki I, and Garki II face a N2 million fine, all in addition to ground rent arrears.
These combined measures underscore the FCT Administration’s determination to enforce land use regulations, uphold legal requirements, and boost internally generated revenue for urban development.
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