The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration, under the leadership of Minister Nyesom Wike, has implemented stringent measures to address the pervasive issue of land use violations within the FCT. Driven by the need to enforce the Land Use Act and generate revenue for developmental projects, the administration has imposed significant financial penalties on allottees and land title holders found to have contravened the stipulated land use regulations. This decisive action follows the submission of a report by a committee specifically established to investigate and address the widespread abuse of land allocation and usage within the FCT.
The committee’s findings revealed a pattern of unauthorized conversions of properties across various prime locations in the FCT, including Ademola Adetokunbo Street, Aminu Kano Crescent, Yakubu Gowon Street, and Gana Street. These conversions, often involving changes from residential to commercial use, or vice versa, and sometimes even to mixed-use developments, were carried out without the necessary approvals from the FCT Administration, thereby violating the established land use guidelines. The scale of these unauthorized conversions is substantial, with the total capital value of the affected properties estimated at over N1 trillion.
To curb this practice and ensure compliance with the Land Use Act, the FCT Administration has imposed a fine of N5 million on each defaulter. This penalty is payable within 30 days of notification. In addition to the fine, allottees and title holders are also required to pay a land use conversion fee equivalent to 7.5% of the assessed capital value of their properties. This fee is separate from the statutory Right of Occupancy bills applicable to the new land use or purpose clause, which must also be paid. Furthermore, those found to have engaged in illegal extensions, mergers, or subdivisions of their properties will incur an additional fee of 2% of the assessed capital value.
The Minister’s resolve to enforce these penalties underscores the administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and generating the necessary funds to execute crucial development projects within the FCT. Wike’s stance makes it clear that no defaulter will be spared, emphasizing that the administration’s primary objective is to raise revenue for the benefit of the FCT. The administration has signaled its willingness to reclaim and resell properties whose owners fail to comply with the imposed penalties, further demonstrating its determination to address the issue of land use violations.
The implementation of these financial penalties represents a significant step towards curbing the rampant abuse of land use regulations in the FCT. By imposing substantial financial consequences for non-compliance, the administration aims to deter future violations and ensure that land use within the FCT aligns with the designated purposes. The revenue generated from these penalties will be instrumental in funding vital development projects, ultimately contributing to the overall growth and improvement of the FCT. This decisive action by the FCT Administration sends a clear message that adherence to land use regulations is paramount and that violators will be held accountable.
The FCT Minister’s robust response to the committee’s findings signifies a significant shift in the administration’s approach to land management. The emphasis on financial penalties, coupled with the threat of property repossession, underscores the seriousness with which the administration views land use violations. This new strategy aims to create a deterrent effect, discouraging future breaches of the Land Use Act and fostering a culture of compliance among land allottees and title holders within the FCT. The success of this approach, however, will depend on the administration’s ability to consistently enforce these regulations and ensure that all defaulters are held accountable, regardless of their influence or status.
