FCTA to Fine Property Owners N5m for Illegal Conversions

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced a ₦5 million fine for property owners who illegally convert their residential buildings into commercial use in Abuja.

The decision follows a review by the Adhoc Committee on Land Use and Purpose Clauses, which investigated widespread violations in the city center.

The committee found that several prime locations have been overtaken by unauthorized conversions. These include:

• Gana Street, Maitama

• Gimbiya Street, Garki

• Aminu Kano Crescent

• Ademola Adetokunbo Street, Wuse II

• Other key city center streets

Many of the properties in these areas had been turned into offices, hotels, and commercial establishments without the approval of the FCTA.

According to Mukhtar Galadima, Director of Development Control and head of the committee, property owners found guilty will face the following penalties:

• A ₦5 million fine for illegal conversions.

• Payment of a Land Use Conversion fee equal to 7.5% of the property’s assessed capital value, payable within 30 days.

• Payment of all statutory Right of Occupancy bills applicable for the new commercial land use.

• An extension/merger/subdivision fee of 2% of the assessed property value if the property has undergone unapproved modifications.

Receiving the report, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike issued a strong warning to defaulters.

He stressed that:

• Illegal conversions will attract stiff penalties.

• Repeat offenders risk revocation of their land titles.

• The crackdown is intended to serve as a deterrent to others violating land use laws.

The move is aimed at restoring order to Abuja’s urban planning system, which has been undermined by unchecked property conversions. Officials argue that enforcing compliance will improve the city’s structure, safety, and service delivery.