Abuja – The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has issued a stern warning to landowners in Abuja, mandating them to develop their allocated plots within two years of receiving the Right of Occupancy (R-of-O). This directive is part of sweeping land reforms announced by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, aimed at curbing land speculation, enhancing investor confidence, and promoting sustainable urban development.
The reforms, set to take effect on April 21, 2025, introduce strict timelines for land allottees. They must complete full payment of all prescribed bills, fees, rents, and charges within 21 days of receiving their offer, along with submitting a Letter of Acceptance and payment evidence. Failure to comply will result in automatic withdrawal of the offer, with any payments made after the deadline deemed invalid.
The FCTA also seeks to regularize Area Council land documents, ensuring all lands are titled under statutory frameworks.
Despite receiving over 261,000 documents for regularization since 2006, only a small fraction have been successfully vetted and regularized.
These measures aim to address long-standing issues such as delayed revenue collection and slow infrastructure development, while ensuring secure land tenure and combating racketeering.