By: Abba Onyekachukwu, Abuja.
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has introduced significant reforms in land administration aimed at combating land speculation and accelerating development in the nation’s capital. In a press statement from the Director Press, Office of the Minister, Anthony Ogunleye the reforms, which took effect on April 21, 2025, are designed to ensure timely development and payment for land allocations.
The reforms give a 21 day payment deadline and ensure that, land allottees must make full payment of all prescribed bills, fees, rents, and charges within 21 days of allocation to obtain their Certificate of Occupancy.
On the two-year development timeline, the statement went on, the allottees have two years to develop their land, starting from the date of the Statutory Right of Occupancy, adding that failure to comply will be considered land speculation. On streamlined titling process, a clear pathway for obtaining titles for Mass Housing and Sectional Interests has been established, with applications for titling to be submitted to the Department of Land Administration for processing.
Throwing light on the minister’s stance on land speculation, the Minister said: “We are trying to stop land speculation, declaring anyone who couldn’t develop his land in two years land speculator. He emphasized that the reforms are necessary to ensure efficient allocation and utilization of land resources.
Speaking on infrastructure projects progress during a recent inspection of key infrastructure projects in Abuja, Wike expressed satisfaction with the progress of work on several projects, including: Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX), a 15-kilometer road connecting Apo and Wasa Districts, expected to be completed by May. On Mabushi Bus Terminal, the Minister emphasized the importance of quality finishing and directed the Secretary of Transport to ensure necessary corrections are made, and on Arterial Road N20 (Wole Soyinka Way), a road project linking Jahi to the Kubwa/Zuba expressway and Jabi/Utako Districts, which is expected to be completed by May.
These projects are expected to be commissioned in May to commemorate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-year anniversary. Wike assured that the FCT Administration is committed to delivering quality infrastructure and promoting development in the nation’s capital.
