The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has issued a final two-week ultimatum to owners of properties in Asokoro, Maitama, Garki, and Wuse who illegally converted their buildings for unapproved commercial use.
According to a statement from his media aide, the affected property owners have until November 25, 2025, to pay a ₦5 million penalty and complete all required regularisation steps.
After this deadline, the FCT Administration will begin strict enforcement against violators.
“There will be no further extensions,” the statement warned, noting that the exercise was part of ongoing efforts to restore order, protect urban planning standards, and discourage land use abuse in the capital city.
Over 370 Properties Already Listed
Earlier this year, authorities published the names of 374 property owners accused of altering approved uses without authorisation — a move that drew mixed reactions across Abuja’s elite districts.
The minister had approved a ₦5 million fine alongside other statutory fees for any owner seeking to retain such converted properties.
Wike, who has consistently vowed to reclaim Abuja’s master plan, said compliance within the 14-day window would attract fresh title documents reflecting the new use.
“Owners who meet all conditions will receive updated land titles after payment and documentation,” the ministry stated.
However, properties whose titles were revoked earlier for non-development or non-payment of ground rent will not benefit from the gesture.
Wike’s no-nonsense approach to land management and his bid to enforce sanity in the city’s highbrow districts, where many residential buildings have quietly morphed into hotels, lounges, and office complexes, have been variously applauded and criticised.
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