In a move aimed at promoting sustainable urban development, enhancing investor confidence, and ensuring secure land tenure within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the FCT Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, CON, has approved sweeping reforms in land administration. The new policies, which take effect from Monday, April 21, 2025, introduce strict timelines and compliance measures for land allottees and developers across the FCT.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, April 11, 2025, the Director of Land Administration in the FCT, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, outlined the key elements of the reform agenda. According to him, the new measures cover the issuance and acceptance of Statutory Rights of Occupancy, titling processes for mass housing projects, and the regularization of land documents issued by Area Councils.
One of the major reforms mandates that allottees must complete full payment of all prescribed bills, fees, rents, and charges within 21 days of being issued an offer for a Statutory Right of Occupancy. In addition, they must submit a duly completed Letter of Acceptance and payment evidence within the same timeframe. Failure to meet this deadline will result in automatic withdrawal of the offer, and any payments made after the deadline will be deemed invalid.
A statement signed by Anthony Ogunleye, Director of Press, Office of the Hon. Minister FCTA, further explain that the allottees are now required to commence development of their allocated plots within two years from the date the Statutory Right of Occupancy is issued.
This policy, Nwankwoeze said, is designed to combat land speculation, promote timely infrastructure development, and boost revenue generation for the FCT Administration.
On the regularization of Area Council land documents, the Director stated that vetted and confirmed documents will only be granted statutory titles if the allottee makes full payment within 60 days of notification. Failure to comply will render the offer void.
He also noted that despite receiving over 261,000 documents for regularization between 2006 and 2023, only 8,287 were vetted, with just 2,358 successfully regularized. The reforms aim to significantly improve this figure through a more streamlined process.
Addressing the titling of mass housing and sectional interests, the Director announced that subscribers and developers in Mass Housing Estates can now apply for titles starting April 21, 2025. Applications are to be submitted to the Department of Land Administration under the new operational framework, which seeks to grant clear and legal ownership to rightful property holders.
Nwankwoeze expressed confidence that these reforms will improve administrative efficiency, reduce racketeering, and fast-track development across the FCT.
“These measures are intended to protect the integrity of land administration in the FCT and ensure that every genuine investor and property owner receives the security of title they deserve,” he said.
The reforms mark a significant shift in land governance in the FCT and are expected to have a far-reaching impact on urban planning, investment inflows, and the overall growth of the capital city.