The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has approved a major overhaul of land administration in Abuja, with the reforms set to take effect from 21 April 2025.
The announcement was made during a press briefing on Friday by the Director of Land Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze.
He said the reforms aim to improve efficiency, boost revenue, and increase transparency in managing land across the territory.
Key changes include stricter rules for land development. Under the new system, anyone granted land must develop it within two years from the start of their Right of Occupancy (R-of-O), or risk losing their claim. Similarly, all payments and acceptance of land offers must now be completed within 21 days, or the offer becomes invalid.
“Allottees must pay all fees and submit proof of payment and acceptance within 21 days. Any delay will void the offer,” Nwankwoeze stated.
Another major area of reform is the regularisation of land documents issued by Area Councils. Since 2006, over 261,000 such documents have been submitted for vetting, but only 2,358 have been validated. The new system is expected to speed up the process and give legal status to many property owners.
The reforms also target mass housing schemes. Of the 445 developers granted land since 2000, only two have met full requirements for titling. From April 21, both developers and property owners in mass housing estates will be required to apply for titles and pay the necessary fees.
“Most residents in mass housing estates have not paid any fees for years,” Nwankwoeze said. “This reform will change that.”
Officials say the overhaul is part of Minister Wike’s wider plan to restore order and fairness to the FCT’s land management system and crack down on land speculation and racketeering.
The FCT Administration is urging all stakeholders to comply with the new guidelines and promised a transparent and efficient rollout of the reforms.