The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), led by Minister Nyesom Wike, has announced that enforcement actions against defaulters of Ground Rent, Land Use Change/Conversion fees, and outstanding Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) and Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) charges will commence on November 26.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Wike said the enforcement drive would also target property buyers who have failed to register their interests with the required Minister’s Consent or complete their Deeds of Assignment.

He recalled that after President Bola Tinubu’s intervention earlier in the year, a 14-day grace period had been granted to allow defaulters settle their outstanding ground rents.
“The 14-day grace expired on June 9, over five months ago,” Wike noted.

The statement explained that previous public notices in national newspapers and online platforms had warned property owners about revised land-use clauses.
“These notices gave defaulters 30 days to pay violation fees of ₦5 million and other applicable charges for land-use change or conversion,” Wike added.

He said a final 14-day grace window was also granted to properties in Asokoro, Maitama, Garki, and Wuse, which expires on Monday, November 24.

According to the minister, the enforcement exercise will begin Wednesday, November 26, and will target all categories of defaulters — including those who purchased properties without completing mandatory registration and consent processes.

The announcement comes amid growing controversy surrounding land administration in the FCT.

Several civil society groups have accused Wike’s administration of “suspicious revocation of land allocations,” particularly involving prime green areas in Abuja.

Tensions escalated recently following a confrontation between Wike and Lt. A. M. Yerima, a serving naval officer, over a disputed plot in Gaduwa District. As previously reported by SaharaReporters, the altercation occurred after soldiers allegedly prevented the minister from accessing the site, sparking a heated exchange.

According to Wike’s aide, the plot at the centre of the dispute was originally allocated in 2007 to Santos Estate Limited “for park and recreation” before being sold to private individuals, including former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo.