The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Nyesom Wike, has unveiled comprehensive reforms in land administration, set to take effect on April 21, 2025. These changes aim to streamline the process of land titling, boost internally generated revenue, and eliminate land speculation and fraudulent practices.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking through the Director of Land Administration, Mr. Chijioke Nwankwoeze, the Minister emphasized that the reforms target several key areas: conditions attached to the issuance of Statutory Right of Occupancy (R-of-O), contents of related bills and acceptance letters, titling for Mass Housing schemes, and regularization of land allocated by Area Councils.

Previously, there were no firm deadlines for statutory land charge payments, nor penalties for delays—an oversight that hindered infrastructure development and enabled speculative landholding. The new policy mandates that allottees must complete payment for all applicable bills, rents, fees, and charges within 21 days of receiving an offer, alongside submitting a letter of acceptance and proof of payment. Failure to comply renders the offer invalid.

Furthermore, development on any allocated land must be concluded within two years of the R-of-O issuance.

To address longstanding irregularities in Area Council allocations, vetted land documents will now be upgraded to statutory titles. However, beneficiaries must fulfill all financial obligations within 60 days, or the offer will lapse. Since 2006, only 3.2% of the 261,914 submitted documents have been regularized, leaving a backlog of over 253,000 pending review.

Regarding the Mass Housing program introduced in 2000, only two out of 445 developers have met the full terms of their land allocations. Many estate occupants have used properties for years without paying rent or statutory fees. Starting April 21, developers and subscribers must initiate title processing for Mass Housing and sectional interests through the Land Administration Department under a new operational structure.

Wike reiterated that the reforms are part of his broader commitment to restoring order, accountability, and transparency in the capital’s land governance framework.