ABUJA, Nigeria (FN) — Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has issued a 14-day ultimatum to property owners in Abuja who have violated land use regulations, warning of enforcement actions if they fail to comply.
The directive targets owners who have converted residential properties into commercial premises without proper authorization. Affected areas include high-profile districts such as Asokoro, Maitama, Wuse, and Garki, where zoning violations have become increasingly common.
Wike said the ultimatum follows the expiration of a 30-day notice issued in September, during which property owners were advised to regularize their titles and land use status. He accused many of ignoring the warning, prompting the government to escalate its response.
Under the new directive, violators must pay a penalty of 5 million naira (approximately $5,500) and submit documentation to the Department of Land Administration to update their property records. Failure to comply by the November 25 deadline could result in revocation of land titles or demolition of structures.
The minister cited specific streets where infractions are most prevalent, including Gana Street, Usuma Street, Yakubu Gowon Crescent, Aminu Kano Crescent, and Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent. These areas are known for hosting embassies, businesses, and upscale residences.
Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, has made urban regulation a central focus of his tenure in Abuja. Since assuming office, he has launched multiple initiatives aimed at restoring order to the capital’s planning framework and boosting internally generated revenue.
Reactions among Abuja residents have been mixed. “I understand the need for order, but the fee is excessive,” said Ibrahim Musa, who runs a tailoring shop from a converted apartment in Wuse. “We’re not big corporations. We’re just trying to survive.”
Others welcomed the move. “It’s about time someone enforced the rules,” said Ngozi Eze, a civil servant in Garki. “Residential areas are turning into noisy commercial zones. It’s affecting our quality of life.”
Legal experts have raised concerns about due process. “The government must ensure that enforcement is not arbitrary,” said Barrister Ifeoma Nwachukwu, a property lawyer. “There should be clear appeal mechanisms for those who feel wrongly targeted.”
Urban development advocates say the crackdown is necessary but overdue. “Abuja’s master plan has been repeatedly violated,” said Tunde Akinyemi, an architect and planning consultant. “This is a chance to restore balance between residential integrity and commercial growth.”
The Federal Capital Territory Administration has not disclosed how many properties are currently in violation, but officials say inspections are ongoing and enforcement will be carried out without exemptions. Wike has vowed to pursue further reforms in land administration, including digitization of records and stricter oversight of building approvals.
