Develop Your Land in Two Years or Forfeit It, Wike Warns
The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has introduced sweeping land reforms, including a new law to revoke undeveloped plots two years after issuance of Rights of Occupancy (R-of-O).
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, Director of Land Administration in the FCTA, announced that the reforms, effective April 21, 2025, aim to curb delays and boost development. Key changes include:
• A 21-day deadline for allottees to pay all bills, fees, and charges and submit acceptance letters, or forfeit their offer.
• A two-year limit to develop allocated land, replacing the previous open-ended timeframe.
• Clear conditions for Statutory Right of Occupancy, including penalties for late payments.
• Provisions for mass housing titles, sectional interests, and regularization of Area Council land documents.
Nwankwoeze highlighted that the lack of deadlines and penalties previously led to revenue losses, stalled infrastructure, and rampant land speculation. The reforms, he said, will ensure timely payments, faster development, and reduced costs for the FCT Administration.
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