The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has directed property owners who converted their land use without approval to pay a N5 million violation fee within 14 days.
The directive was contained in a statement by Mr Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, on Sunday.
Olayinka said the grace period began on November 11, warning that failure to comply would trigger enforcement actions by the FCT Administration.
The affected areas include Gana Street and Usuma Street in Maitama, Yakubu Gowon Crescent in Asokoro, Aminu Kano Crescent and Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent in Wuse II, Ladoke Akintola Boulevard, Gimbiya Street, Onitsha Street in Garki II, Ogbomosho Street, Lafia Close, Yola Street, Abriba Close, Danbatta Street, Ringim Close, and Ilorin Street in Garki I District.
“During this 14-day grace period, affected property owners are expected to visit the Department of Land Administration with their original title documents and valid identification to regularise their land use approvals,” Olayinka said.
He added that owners would also collect new title documents reflecting the updated land use for a fresh 99-year term, but clarified that the exercise does not apply to land or property titles previously withdrawn or revoked due to non-development, non-payment of ground rent, or other reasons.
Olayinka recalled that the FCT Administration had earlier reviewed the Land Use/Purpose Clause of properties and previously gave violators 30 days to pay the penalty, which expired over a month ago.
