FCT BEGINS ISSUANCE OF STATUTORY RIGHTS OF OCCUPANCY TO REGULARISE AREA COUNCIL LANDS.
By: Badaru Yakasai
The Federal Capital Territor, Department of Land Administration has commenced the issuance of offers of Statutory Rights of Occupancy for batch one of regularised land documents issued by Area Councils
Accordingly, the FCT Minister, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has approved the exercise, which forms part of the FCT Administration’s reform agenda to resolve decades-long challenges in plot allocation regularization across the FCT Area Councils.
The FCT Director of Land Administration, Chijoike Nwankwoeze, made this known while interacting with Abuja Digest in his office.
The Director said that the initiative is more than just paperwork but a cornerstone for building stronger and more orderly capital territory.
According to him, by formalizing FCT Area Councils land titles, the government unlocks new streams of revenue through payments of ground rents and taxes while reducing land disputes that clog courts and drain resources” he stated.
Nwankwoeze added that the exercise will also empower urban planners to shape Abuja in line with its original master plan to create cities that work better for everyone.
The Director further added that the “transparent land records are expected to boost investor confidence, attract development and economic growth and demonstrate that government reforms can deliver real, lasting benefits — a win for governance, business, and the people”.
He also mentioned that the issuance of statutory Rights of Occupancy provides and secures government-recognized ownership, protecting them from disputes and arbitrary revocation.
The Director further noted that the Statutory Right of Occupancy makes properties legally bankable, enabling access to loans, mortgages and other financial opportunities. Holders can confidently sell, lease or transfer their land and it becomes easier to obtain building approvals and development permits as well.
Property values are expected to rise and inclusion in official land records ensures transparency, traceability and long-term security for families and investors alike he added.
Therefore, efforts will focus on resolving long-standing issues, addressing the backlog of land document regularization and ensuring that allottees receive their statutory titles within a given time frame Nwankwoeze mentioned.
Again, the Director of Land Administration said the exercise aligns with the FCT Minister’s vision for Land Administration Reforms and supports the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, anchored on effective service delivery and good governance.
He advised the general public, especially those who submitted their documents for regularisation, to constantly check newspapers for publications or pay regular visits to the departmental website for more information @ Agis.fcta.gov.ng
