The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has announced sweeping reforms in land management aimed at improving revenue collection, combating land speculation, and accelerating infrastructural development. The new policies, set to take effect from April 21, 2025, focus on stricter timelines for the development of land and the regularization of land documents, as well as new penalties for non-compliance.
One of the key measures includes a rule mandating the revocation of undeveloped plots after two years of issuance of Rights of Occupancy (R-of-O). This policy intends to curb land hoarding and encourage swift development of allocated lands in the FCT.
The reforms were disclosed by the Director of Land Administration in the FCTA, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, alongside Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka. The reforms also include a tighter 21-day deadline for land allottees to pay their R-of-O bills and submit necessary documentation, with failure to meet this deadline resulting in the invalidation of their offers.
“The FCT Administration is committed to improving the efficiency of land management and ensuring that all landholders meet the agreed-upon terms for development,” said Nwankwoeze.
Regarding previously allocated lands, the FCTA will now ensure that all Area Council land documents are regularized into statutory titles in accordance with the relevant laws. Since 2006, over 260,000 Area Council land documents have been submitted for regularization, but only a small fraction has been processed.
Additionally, the new reforms will also affect the Mass Housing Programme, which has seen limited success due to non-compliance by developers. The new operational framework for titling in the Mass Housing and Sectional Interests program aims to fast-track the process and ensure that residents pay necessary charges while benefiting from properly titled properties.
Wike emphasized that these reforms are part of a broader effort to improve governance and infrastructure in the FCT, contributing to sustainable development and urbanization.
