The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has issued a 21-day deadline to allottees of statutory lands in Abuja to pay up all Right of Occupancy (R of O) charges or forfeit their allocations.
According to Mr. Lere Olayinka, spokesperson for FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, the ultimatum is part of sweeping reforms aimed at sanitising land administration within the FCT. The policy will take effect from April 21, 2025.
Under the new system, land allottees must not only make full payments for all associated bills within three weeks of receiving an offer, but also submit a completed letter of acceptance and proof of payment. Failure to comply will result in the withdrawal of the offer.
Olayinka noted that prior to this reform, R of O bills did not specify payment deadlines, leading to delays in revenue generation, stalled infrastructure development, and widespread land speculation. The reforms also require allottees to complete development on their plots within two years.
“Any R of O bills and other payments made outside the stipulated 21 days shall be considered invalid,” Olayinka said.
Director of Land Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, explained that this marks the first major overhaul of FCT land policies. He emphasised that land titles will no longer be deemed valid until full payment is made, especially in area councils, where allottees will have 60 days to complete payments.
The move is part of Wike’s broader strategy to ensure accountability, curb racketeering, and boost infrastructure delivery in Nigeria’s capital.
