Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has introduced tough sanctions against property owners who violate the Land Use Act in Abuja.
He announced a fine of ₦5 million, payable within 30 days, for allottees and title holders found guilty of contravening land use regulations.
In addition, such property owners will pay 7.5 per cent of the assessed capital value of any property converted without the approval of the FCT Administration.
Wike issued the directive on Tuesday after receiving the report of the Land Use and Purpose Clause Committee, which was set up to investigate the abuse of land allocations in the FCT.
He explained that the penalties were necessary to raise funds for ongoing projects in the capital city and to curb the rising trend of illegal land conversions.
“I am not going to leave anybody to go free.
“We are looking for money to carry on projects.
“If you fall into our trap, it’s your business. If you don’t pay, we will take back your title, we will sell it, and we will still raise money,” the minister said.
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Wike expressed concern over the widespread practice of converting residential properties to commercial use and vice versa without government approval.
He warned that those who defaulted would face strict consequences.
The Chairman of the Committee, Mukhtar Galadima, who is also the Director of Development Control, disclosed that several properties across Ademola Adetokunbo Street, Aminu Kano Crescent, Yakubu Gowon Street and Gana Street had been illegally converted to residential, commercial or mixed-use purposes.
He noted that the total assessed capital value of the affected properties amounted to ₦1.037 trillion.
Galadima recommended a range of sanctions for defaulters, including sealing of properties, demolition of illegal structures, revocation of land titles and withdrawal of allocations for those who refuse to comply.
He added that, in addition to the penalties, property owners involved in illegal extensions, mergers or subdivisions would be required to pay two per cent of the assessed capital value of their properties.
The minister emphasised that the enforcement of these measures was critical to restoring order in Abuja’s land administration system and ensuring that land use regulations were strictly followed.
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