Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has given property owners who violated Abuja’s land use regulations 30 days to restore their buildings to their original purpose or face strict penalties.
Wike announced this on Tuesday in Abuja while receiving reports from two committees set up to investigate land use violations and a land deal involving JonahCapital Nigeria Limited.
He said offenders must pay a fine of N5 million along with a 7.5 percent charge on the assessed capital value of their properties, warning that those who fail to comply risk losing their land titles.
“I am not going to leave anybody to go free. We are looking for money to carry on projects. If you fall into our trap, it is your business. If you do not want to pay, we take back your title, sell it and still raise money,” Wike said.
“Certain areas are designated for residential, others for commercial. But people believe they can do anything without government approval. If you do not sanction them, it will continue,” he added.
Chairman of the Land Use and Purposes Clause Committee, Mukhtar Galadima, who is also the Director of Development Control, revealed that properties worth over N1.03 trillion were found to be in violation.
According to him, the affected areas include highbrow locations such as Ademola Adetokunbo Street, Aminu Kano Crescent, Yakubu Gowon Street, and Gana Street.
Galadima warned that properties that remain non-compliant after the grace period risk sanctions such as sealing, demolition, revocation, or withdrawal of titles.
The committee also recommended reforms that include proper land use conversions, payment of new fees, and reissuance of title documents to regularise ownership.
Wike stressed that the government will no longer tolerate lawlessness in the FCT and urged property owners to comply within the set period to avoid severe penalties.
