By Our Correspondent
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) under Minister Nyesom Wike has announced that enforcement of outstanding ground rent, land use conversion fees, and other required land charges will begin on November 26. The move is part of the administration’s effort to restore order, improve revenue collection, and strengthen Abuja’s land administration system.
The enforcement follows months of notices and grace periods during which property owners were asked to settle long-standing debts and correct planning violations. Many property owners in districts such as Asokoro, Maitama, Wuse, and Garki did not respond to the earlier notices or failed to complete the necessary steps to update their documents. According to the FCTA, many properties have accumulated years of unpaid obligations, leading to gaps in revenue and irregularities in land use.
Ground rent defaulters are a major focus of the operation. Earlier this year, the administration revoked more than 4,700 land titles linked to long-term non-payment, showing how serious the issue has become. The FCTA will also address land use conversion violations, which involve changing a property’s approved purpose without permission. Many residential buildings have been turned into commercial spaces without approval, leading to penalties and demands for regularization.
Another target of the enforcement is property owners who purchased buildings without completing essential documentation, including the Minister’s Consent and registration of the Deed of Assignment. The FCTA says these gaps in documentation create confusion in property records and can cause disputes later. Owners who fail to correct these issues by the deadline may face legal action, property sealing, recovery of outstanding fees, or repossession where titles have already been withdrawn.
Officials explained that several grace periods have already been given, including the final extension earlier in November. They stated that no further extensions will be issued. From November 26, enforcement teams will begin visiting properties to carry out checks and take necessary actions.
The FCTA says the operation is needed to ensure compliance with land regulations and to support the proper development of the city. Real estate analysts say residents should expect more property inspections, document verification, and strict follow-up once the deadline takes effect.
As the enforcement date draws closer, many property owners are rushing to settle overdue payments and update their records. The November 26 exercise is expected to influence how property administration is handled in Abuja going forward.
