FCT Administration tightens land rules, clears path for mass housing reforms

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The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has rolled out comprehensive reforms in land administration, thus, marking a significant shift in policy direction under the leadership of the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike.

The changes, scheduled to take effect from April 21, 2025, are designed to enhance the land titling system, strengthen revenue collection mechanisms, and combat longstanding issues of land speculation and fraudulent practices.

At a press conference held in Abuja on Friday, the Director of Land Administration, Mr. Chijioke Nwankwoeze, and the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, detailed the scope of the new measures.

Nwankwoeze said, “The reforms will touch on several critical aspects of land administration, including the criteria for granting Statutory Right of Occupancy (R-of-O), revisions to billing content, and processes for issuing letters of acceptance or refusal.

“We are also focusing on the titling of mass housing schemes and sectional property interests, as well as formalising the Area Council land records. This is crucial to establishing a well-regulated system.”

One of the major gaps identified in the previous system was the absence of a fixed timeline for settling land-related charges, along with the lack of penalties for default. This loophole, officials said, has slowed down infrastructure development and made it easier for speculators and racketeers to exploit the system.

Nwankwoeze continued, “Under the new policy guidelines, beneficiaries of land allocations must now pay all associated bills, including rents and fees, within 21 days of receiving an offer. Failure to comply will result in the automatic forfeiture of the allocation.

“Any payment made after the 21-day deadline will be deemed invalid, which will enforce discipline and ensure timely development.

“Going forward, all development on allocated land must be completed within two years from the date the R-of-O becomes effective.”

The FCTA is also making moves to address the disorderly handling of Area Council land allocations. Despite all lands in the FCT being classified as urban, most Area Council-issued documents lack statutory recognition.

Since 2006, Area Councils have submitted 261,914 documents for regularization. However, only 8,287 have been vetted so far, with just 2,358 cleared and converted, barely 3.2% of the total. A backlog of over 253,000 documents still awaits processing.

“Under the new policy, Area Council land documents that pass the vetting process will be upgraded to statutory titles. Nwankwoeze mentioned, adding that “Beneficiaries will have 60 days to settle all related fees or forfeit the offer. This policy ensures that we bring order to the system and prevent further abuse.”

The FCTA is introducing a revamped titling system, which includes recognition of sectional property interests. The Mass Housing program, launched in 2000 through public-private partnerships, aimed to bridge the housing deficit. However, progress has been slow, with only two of the 445 approved developers fulfilling the full conditions of their land allocations.

“These changes are part of a broader effort to bring structure and accountability to land use and housing development in the FCT,” Nwankwoeze said.

Occupants of mass housing estates who have been residing in their properties for years without paying rent, service charges, or government fees are now set to face a major policy shift.

In the words of Nwankwoeze, “This long-standing practice is coming to an end. Starting from April 21, 2025, both housing subscribers and developers will be required to apply to the Department of Land Administration to regularize their property titles under a new operational system.

“This reform is not just about changing land administration; it is about rebuilding trust and promoting transparency in land governance throughout the Federal Capital Territory. We are committed to ensuring that every piece of land in the FCT is properly documented, developed, and used for the benefit of all.”

These changes are part of a broader strategy to bring more structure and accountability to land use and housing development in the FCT.