The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has rolled out stringent measures against property owners illegally converting residential plots to commercial use in key Abuja districts, including Gana Street in Maitama, Gimbiya Street in Garki, Ademola Adetokunbo Crescent in Wuse II, and Aminu Kano Crescent. According to the Adhoc Committee on the Review of Land Use and Purpose Clauses, chaired by Mukhtar Galadima, Director of Development Control, many properties in these areas have been unlawfully repurposed as offices, hotels, and other commercial entities without proper authorization.
Offenders face a ₦5 million fine, a 7.5% land use conversion fee based on the property’s assessed capital value, and the issuance of new Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) with a 99-year lease tenure. Failure to comply within 30 days will result in enforcement actions, such as sealing properties, demolishing structures, or revoking titles. FCT Minister Nyesom Wike pledged rigorous enforcement, emphasizing that violators will face severe repercussions.
The committee also recommended improvements in traffic management, power supply, and waste disposal in the affected zones. Additionally, owners of undeveloped plots in the Central Business District and Sector Centres (Phase II) have been given a three-month ultimatum to commence development or risk losing their titles.
