This directive comes as part of recommendations from an Ad-hoc Committee on the Review of Land Use/Purpose Clauses of properties located in areas increasingly overtaken by commercial activities.
Illegal Conversions Widespread
The committee, inaugurated on August 8 by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, identified several highbrow areas where residential properties have been unlawfully repurposed into offices, hotels, and other businesses. These include Gimbiya Street in Garki, Gana Street in Maitama, and Ademola Adetokunbo Street in Wuse II.
Presenting its findings, the committee led by the Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, said affected property owners would be required to pay a Land Use Conversion fee equivalent to 7.5 percent of the assessed capital value of their properties, in addition to the ₦5 million penalty.
Further Penalties for Non-Compliance
According to the committee’s report, title holders must:
- Pay the Land Use Conversion fee within 30 days of receiving approval.
- Pay statutory Right of Occupancy charges applicable to the new land use.
- Settle additional fees of 2 percent of the capital value in cases of illegal extensions, mergers, or subdivisions.
Minister’s Warning
While receiving the report, Minister Wike reiterated that the FCTA would no longer tolerate abuse of land use approvals. He warned that defaulters risk sanctions, including outright revocation of their land titles.
“Those who have converted their properties without approval must be ready to face sanctions. We cannot allow individuals to abuse land allocations and distort the city’s master plan,” Wike declared.
The measure, according to officials, aims to restore order to Abuja’s urban planning framework while ensuring that property owners comply with statutory guidelines.
Kogi Tribune will continue to monitor developments as the FCTA prepares to enforce these penalties.
