FCT Minister Wike Imposes ₦5m Fine, 7.5% Charge on Land Defaulters

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has taken decisive action against land use violations in Abuja, approving a policy that imposes stiff financial penalties on defaulters. The move is part of the FCT Administration’s ongoing efforts to restore the city’s master plan and boost its revenue base for critical infrastructural projects.

The new penalties were announced on Tuesday after Minister Wike received the report of the Committee on the Review of Land Use and Purpose Clauses. The committee found that numerous properties, particularly on major streets like Ademola Adetokunbo, Aminu Kano Crescent, and Gana Street, had been illegally converted from their original residential purpose to commercial use.

Under the new policy, allottees and titleholders of affected properties are required to pay a ₦5 million fine within 30 days. In addition, they must pay a land use conversion fee equivalent to 7.5% of the assessed capital value of the properties. The Chairman of the committee, Muktar Galadima, noted that the total value of the properties in violation amounted to a staggering ₦1.04 trillion.

Speaking on the new directive, Minister Wike made it clear that the FCT Administration would show no leniency. “I’m not going to leave anybody to go free. We are looking for money to carry out projects. If you fall into our trap, it’s your business,” Wike stated. “We are trying to raise money for the FCT. But if you don’t want, we will take back your title, we sell it, we will still raise money.”

The minister warned that failure to comply with the 30-day deadline will lead to further sanctions, including the sealing of properties, the removal of unauthorized structures, and the possible revocation of land titles. This new measure signals a renewed push for strict enforcement of land regulations, a core component of Wike’s agenda since he assumed office.