…Properties in Violation Valued at Over ₦1trn
Abuja — Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has given a 30-day grace period to property owners found guilty of land use violations in Abuja to revert their properties to their original purpose or face sanctions, including demolition and revocation of titles.
The minister, who received reports from two committees investigating land use abuses and a controversial land deal involving JonahCapital Nigeria Limited, said violators will also pay a ₦5 million fine in addition to a 7.5% charge on the assessed capital value of illegally converted properties.
According to Wike, properties in violation across parts of the FCT, including prime districts, have been valued at ₦1.03 trillion.
“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 is your business. If you do not want to pay, we take back your title, sell it, and still raise money,” Wike warned.
He stressed that land use regulations must be respected, noting: “Certain areas are designated for residential, others for commercial. But people believe they can do anything without government approval. If you do not sanction them, it will continue.”
Committee Findings
Presenting the report, Chairman of the Land Use and Purposes Clause Committee and Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, disclosed that many properties on Ademola Adetokunbo Street, Aminu Kano Crescent, Yakubu Gowon Street, and Gana Street had been unlawfully converted from their designated use.
The committee put the cumulative capital value of such properties at ₦1.037 trillion, warning that sealing, demolition, revocation, or withdrawal of titles awaits owners who refuse to comply.
On the JonahCapital case, the committee revealed that while the Development Lease Agreement (DLA) was originally signed with the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) for a seven-year mass housing project, JonahCapital unlawfully transferred rights to third parties without consent, leading to disputes involving multiple developers.
Findings also showed:Unauthorized issuance of Rights of Occupancy (R-of-Os) by third parties.
Identity risks due to two similarly named companies, JonahCapital Nigeria Limited (2006) and Jonah Capital Nigeria Limited (2017).
Inconsistencies in building approvals — with 10,794 families occupying units despite approval for only 7,985.
Thousands of unprocessed titles for legitimate subscribers.
Several unexecuted court judgments fueling disputes and security threats.
To restore order, the committee recommended: Converting the land use of affected properties to commercial or compatible uses.
Imposing a 7.5% Land Use Conversion fee and statutory R-of-O bills for new uses.
Requiring violators to comply within 60 days or risk enforcement actions such as demolition or revocation.
Revoking titles of non-compliant properties and issuing fresh titles with 99-year lease terms.
Upgrading infrastructure, including electricity and waste management, in affected areas.
Introducing a one-way traffic system on Usuma Street to ease congestion.
Mandating plot owners in the Central Business District and Phase II Sector Centres to begin development within three months or face revocation.
The report stressed that stricter monitoring, timely interventions, and consistent enforcement are necessary to restore sanity in Abuja’s land administration system.
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