The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has approved a 14-day extension for property owners in Abuja who violated land use regulations to pay a ₦5 million penalty fee and other related charges. The decision is aimed at encouraging voluntary compliance before stricter enforcement measures take effect.
The grace period, which begins on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, applies to property owners in key districts of Abuja, including Asokoro, Maitama, Garki, and Wuse. The announcement was made on Sunday through a statement issued by Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka.
According to Olayinka, the extension follows the expiration of the initial 30-day deadline, which was given to allottees and title holders to regularize their land use.
“Failure to comply within the stated 14 calendar days grace period will result in enforcement actions by the FCT Administration,” the statement warned.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) had earlier, on September 8 and 9, 2025, published public notices in major national newspapers and online platforms regarding the reviewed Land Use/Purpose Clause for selected properties in Abuja. The notices informed property owners that changing the use of land without official approval violated the terms of their Right of Occupancy.
Affected property owners were initially given 30 days, from September 10, 2025, to pay the ₦5 million violation fee and other applicable charges. The FCTA directed these owners to visit the Department of Land Administration with original title documents and valid identification to collect letters of approval for land use change. These letters included details of the new land use and related fees.
The 14-day extension now provides a final window for compliance for those who missed the initial deadline.
The FCTA’s notice listed specific streets and locations across the Federal Capital City that are subject to the reviewed Land Use/Purpose Clause. In Maitama District, affected streets include Gana Street and Usuma Street. In Asokoro District, it is Yakubu Gowon Crescent. In Wuse II District, the affected streets are Aminu Kano Crescent and Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent.
In Garki II District, the FCTA listed Ladoke Akintola Boulevard, Gimbiya Street, and Onitsha Street, while in Garki I District, defaulters include property owners along Ogbomosho Street, Lafia Close, Yola Street, Abriba Close, Danbatta Street, Ringim Close, and Ilorin Street.
Property owners in these areas who comply with the FCTA directive within the new grace period will receive updated approval letters and other related documentation.
As part of the compliance process, Minister Wike has approved the issuance of new title documents, including Statutory Rights of Occupancy and Certificates of Occupancy. These updated documents will reflect the approved land use changes and will be valid for a new 99-year term.
The FCTA highlighted, however, that this opportunity does not apply to lands or properties previously revoked due to non-development or failure to pay ground rent. These properties are excluded from the compliance exercise and remain subject to enforcement action.
“The Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, His Excellency Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON has magnanimously granted a final grace period of 14 calendar days from Tuesday, November 11, 2025, for all affected allottees and holders of properties along the listed streets and locations to comply with the terms and conditions of the approval for land use change/conversion,” the statement said.
Officials have warned that non-compliance after the 14-day grace period will trigger enforcement measures by the FCTA. These measures could include penalties, revocation of land rights, and legal action. The FCTA described the extension as a final opportunity for affected property owners to settle their obligations.
“The grace period is part of Wike’s effort to encourage voluntary compliance before the administration begins stricter enforcement measures,” the statement added.
The FCT operates under a structured land administration system that governs land allocation, use, and conversion. The Land Use Act of 1978 empowers the FCT Minister to regulate land use and ensure that all properties adhere to designated purposes.
Under this framework, property owners must seek official approval before changing the use of their land, whether for residential, commercial, or other purposes. Violations can result in heavy fines, revocation of land rights, and legal penalties.
The FCTA’s review of the Land Use/Purpose Clause reflects ongoing efforts to ensure orderly development, proper urban planning, and compliance with city zoning regulations in Abuja.
Property owners in affected areas have expressed mixed reactions to the extension. Some welcomed the additional 14 days, citing financial constraints and administrative delays that prevented them from meeting the original deadline. Others have expressed concern about the high penalty fee of ₦5 million and associated charges.
Property owners in Asokoro, Maitama, Garki, and Wuse are urged to visit the Department of Land Administration promptly, present their original title documents, and pay the penalty fee to secure updated approval for land use change. Compliance will result in the issuance of new title documents valid for 99 years.
Non-compliance, however, will lead to enforcement measures, which may include revocation of land rights and legal action. The FCTA has stressed that this is the final opportunity for affected property owners to regularize their land use.
