The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is gearing up for a sweeping enforcement operation that will affect thousands of property owners across Abuja. Beginning next week, the administration will commence strict action against individuals and organizations that have failed to settle outstanding ground rent, land-use conversion fees, and Right-of-Occupancy or Certificate-of-Occupancy bills. This development marks one of the most decisive policy moves by the FCTA in recent years, signaling a no-nonsense approach to land administration and revenue recovery.
FCTA’s Enforcement Begins Next Week
The enforcement exercise is set to begin on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. Officials from various FCTA departments will carry out coordinated operations targeting properties with unpaid statutory fees. This includes ground rent arrears, unpaid conversion charges for land-use change, and outstanding R-of-O and C-of-O payments.
Property owners in key districts such as Asokoro, Maitama, Garki, Wuse, and other high-value areas are among those expected to be most impacted. Some of these locations have recorded persistent non-compliance over the years, despite multiple reminders and grace periods issued by the administration.
Grace Periods Have Expired
Throughout the year, the FCTA provided several opportunities for defaulters to regularize their records. Earlier in May, a 14-day grace period was issued, allowing property owners to settle overdue ground rent alongside penalties. This was followed by a 30-day extension for individuals who violated approved land-use regulations and were required to pay a ₦5 million violation fee, in addition to formalizing the conversion of their property’s use.
Most recently, the administration offered a final 14-day window beginning on November 11, allowing defaulters one last chance to comply. That period is now ending, clearing the way for full enforcement action.
Why FCTA Is Intensifying Enforcement
The current enforcement move is not happening in isolation. Earlier this year, the FCTA revoked more than four thousand land titles belonging to individuals and companies who failed to pay ground rent for over a decade. Some accounts reportedly showed unpaid dues spanning up to 40 years.
The enforcement is also part of broader efforts to boost the FCTA’s internally generated revenue. Ground rent, conversion charges, and occupancy fees form a major part of land-related income expected by the administration, and irregular compliance has significantly reduced revenue projections in recent years.
Another major trigger for the crackdown is the rampant abuse of land-use regulations. Many property owners have changed their approved property use—such as converting residential buildings to commercial spaces—without completing the legal process or paying required fees. The new enforcement drive aims to restore order and ensure that land development within the FCT aligns with approved planning guidelines.
What Property Owners Should Expect
With full enforcement set to begin, property owners who have not complied should expect several possible actions. These include sealing of properties, service of enforcement notices, and in more severe cases, repossession of properties previously flagged for revocation. Officials have also confirmed that properties sold without proper transfer documentation—such as the minister’s consent or a valid deed of assignment—will be treated as non-compliant and included in the enforcement exercise.
Many legal experts advise that owners should urgently review their documents, check their payment status, and ensure all land-related paperwork is up to date. Those who acquired property through secondary transactions are particularly urged to ensure that their documentation accurately reflects the transfer of ownership.
Economic and Social Implications
The enforcement is likely to have far-reaching effects on Abuja’s real estate market. Property values may fluctuate as owners rush to regularize documents and avoid potential penalties. Some sealed properties may affect business continuity, especially in commercial zones where there are outstanding fees or unauthorized land-use conversions.
On a broader scale, the FCTA’s move underscores a shift toward tighter regulatory control and accountability within the capital city. If successful, it could inspire similar enforcement campaigns in other states seeking to strengthen land management and boost revenue collection.
What Comes Next
As the enforcement date draws near, the FCTA maintains that the exercise is not punitive but corrective. The goal is to restore transparency, ensure compliance with land policies, and guarantee that property owners fulfill their legal obligations. However, with the grace periods now expired, the administration is expected to act with full authority beginning next week.
For property owners, the message is clear: this is the final call to settle outstanding obligations and avoid the risk of losing access to their properties. The coming days are crucial, and compliance is now more important than ever.
