The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has commenced a renewed and tougher enforcement drive against defaulting property owners in Abuja, as part of efforts to strengthen revenue generation, restore urban order and sustain infrastructure development in the nation’s capital.
The decision was approved at the first Executive Council (EXCO) meeting of 2026, presided over by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike, who directed relevant agencies to take decisive action against owners owing ground rent, Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) fees and land-use conversion charges.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Director of Land Administration, Mr. Chijioke Nwankwoeze, said enforcement would begin next week and would include sealing of properties, revocation of land titles and other statutory sanctions against defaulters who have failed to respond to repeated public notices.
From Warnings to Enforcement
Nwankwoeze explained that the FCTA had, since mid-2025, issued several warnings through national newspapers, broadcast media and digital platforms, urging property owners to regularise outstanding land obligations.
Despite these notices, he said compliance remained poor, necessitating a shift from persuasion to enforcement.
According to him, the enforcement exercise will cover both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of Abuja, cutting across residential and commercial districts without exception.
“This is no longer a matter of appeal. Those who have refused to meet their obligations will face the full weight of the law,” he said.
Illegal Conversions Under Scrutiny
The FCTA said particular attention would be paid to properties originally allocated for residential use but later converted to commercial purposes without full compliance with statutory requirements.
Areas such as Aminu Kano Crescent, Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent and parts of Garki Areas 7 and 8 were identified as locations with high incidences of default and unauthorised conversions.
Officials noted that while some conversions were regularised, many property owners failed to pay the required fees, resulting in accumulated arrears.
No Sacred Cows, Says FCTA
Nwankwoeze stressed that the enforcement system is automated and impartial, applying equally to individuals, corporate organisations and government institutions.
“There are no sacred cows. Once the system indicates that a property owner is owing, enforcement will follow,” he said.
Affected property owners were advised to visit the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) and the Land Administration Department to clear outstanding liabilities before enforcement commences.
Revenue, Development and City Order
The FCTA said revenue from ground rent and land charges is critical for funding infrastructure, maintaining roads, providing municipal services and supporting the rapid growth of Abuja.
Chairman of the FCT Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Michael Ango, noted that sustainable development of the capital depends largely on internally generated revenue, urging residents to see compliance as a civic responsibility.
Urban development experts say the crackdown could help curb speculative land holding, discourage illegal land use and promote more orderly development across the city.
Background
Ground rent is a statutory charge tied to land allocation under the Land Use Act, payable annually by all land title holders in the FCT.
In recent years, the FCTA has struggled with revenue leakages arising from non-payment of land charges, prompting successive administrations to adopt stricter enforcement measures.
Officials say the latest action underscores the Wike-led administration’s resolve to enforce discipline, enhance transparency and ensure that Abuja remains a well-planned and financially sustainable capital city.