The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has imposed a penalty of N5 million on landlords and property owners in Abuja who converted residential buildings to other uses without approval.
According to a notice issued by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and published in national dailies on Monday, September 8, 2025, the affected property owners have 30 days to regularise their titles.
The notice stated that the minister approved a review of land-use clauses for properties in key districts of the capital city, including Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, Garki I, and Garki II.
“All affected allottees/title holders who converted their properties without approval are hereby directed to pay a violation fee of N5,000,000 within 30 days, starting from Wednesday, September 10, 2025,” the statement read.
The FCTA also directed owners to present their original title documents and valid identification at the Land Administration Department in Abuja to collect letters approving the conversions. Those who comply will be issued fresh certificates of occupancy for 99 years, reflecting the updated land use.
However, the administration clarified that this exercise does not cover properties whose titles were previously revoked due to non-development, unpaid ground rent, or other violations.
Among those affected are Abdullahi Ganduje, former APC national chairman; Olagunsoye Oyinlola, ex-governor of Osun; former Supreme Court justices Atanda Fatai-Williams and Aloma Mariam Mukhtar; as well as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.
