Senior Special Assistant on Strategic Communications to the FCT Minister, Lere Olayinka, has confirmed that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is revoking over 1,000 property titles across Abuja after owners failed to settle outstanding ground rent, land use conversion fees, and CFO charges within the 14-day ultimatum that expired on November 25.
In an interview with ARISE NEWS on Monday, Olayinka explained that while some reports suggest widespread non-compliance, the majority of property owners have adhered to regulations. “We published 4,794 notices in May. As of today, more than 3,900 complied. That is more than 80%. So if you have 80% compliance, then you can say that people complied,” he said. On land use conversion charges, compliance was around 50%, he added.
Olayinka emphasised that the FCTA is not obligated to chase defaulters individually. “Some people probably choose not to comply based on reasons known to them, and government would not be the one to force them to come and comply. If as an examiner, you give an exam to 100 students and 80 students pass, the teacher cannot be blamed for the rest. People complied. Those who did not comply, maybe they know why, maybe they no longer need the properties,” he explained.
He clarified that once a Certificate of Occupancy (CofO) is revoked, the land reverts to the FCTA Minister, who holds it in trust for the president. “The minister has taken those 1,095 titles. Section 28, 5A and B of the Land Use Act is very clear. Contravention of any conditions set in the CofO is automatic for the future of that title. But the government is putting some level of human face and not punishing minor contraventions,” Olayinka said.
Addressing concerns about Trinity Garden in Meitama, a recreational site recently demolished, Olayinka insisted that the land was allocated for park and recreation, not permanent ownership. “People don’t get title for park and recreation. It is a letter of intent. The highest lease for park and recreation is 30 years. If they exceed that, the government has the authority to revoke or review allocations. It is not about sentiment; it is about compliance,” he stated.
He also dismissed claims of widespread collusion in land documentation processes but acknowledged isolated cases could exist. “Some of these things, you have asked one very important question. Some of these things you see, I can’t rule out connivance inside. But government will not wake up tomorrow and say, this property no longer exists,” he said.
Olayinka highlighted penalties for non-compliance, including fines ranging from two to five million Naira for overdue ground rent or unlawful land use conversion. “Those who did conversion must first pay the penalty. Over 50% of the properties in this category have been captured. The government is still monitoring other areas,” he said.
On the broader issue of property stability in Abuja, Olayinka insisted that the system is predictable for those following due process. “Property is predictable. If you get proper allocation, follow procedures, and submit building plans for approval, you won’t have issues. The problem arises when people bypass rules and later blame the government,” he explained.
Olayinka concluded that the enforcement actions reflect a wider commitment by the FCTA under Minister Newsome Wike to ensure compliance with land use regulations and maintain orderly urban development across the capital city.
Boluwatife Enome
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