The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced plans to commence enforcement actions against property owners who have failed to meet obligations on ground rent, Certificates of Occupancy (C of O), and land use conversion charges within the FCT.
Chijioke Nwankwoeze, Director of Land Administration, made this known after the Federal Capital Territory Executive Council meeting presided over by Nyesom Wike, Minister of the FCT, on Wednesday in Abuja.
According to him, the enforcement exercise will begin next week and will involve measures such as withdrawal of land titles and sealing of properties belonging to defaulters.
Read also: FCTA approves N9.8bn to rehabilitate presidential villa roads
Nwankwoeze explained that the FCTA had, in 2025, carried out an assessment of properties that were not being used in line with the purposes for which they were originally allocated.
He noted that while some property holders had failed to pay their annual ground rent, others had not completed payment for their Certificates of Occupancy.
He further disclosed that investigations revealed several plots designated for residential use had been unlawfully converted for commercial activities, a development he said contravenes the conditions attached to the rights of occupancy granted by the government.
The affected locations include Aminu Kano Crescent, Adetokumba Ademola Crescent, Yakubu Gowon Crescent, Wuse 2, as well as Areas 7 and 8 in Garki, among other parts of the city.
He stated that after reviewing the developments in these areas, the FCTA determined that the existing uses could be retained and subsequently approved their conversion in line with established planning regulations.
To this effect, Nwankwoeze said public announcements were circulated through print, electronic, and social media platforms, inviting property owners to regularise their status by making the required payments.
He added that formal letters conveying approval were also issued to allottees.
“While some allottees have complied, many are still in default,” he said, stressing that those who have failed to settle outstanding ground rent, C of O fees, or land use conversion charges should be aware that enforcement will commence next week.
He warned that property owners must take immediate steps to comply or be prepared to face sanctions deemed appropriate by the administration.
