By Abubakar Yusuf
The elevation of Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike to the role of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) heralds a new chapter for the area’s underutilised internally generated revenue (IGR).
The renewed focus on collecting ground rent payments, which have been neglected by numerous property owners, promises a substantial influx of revenue that could fuel vital infrastructural projects and other essential developments.
With a target of over 70 billion naira annually from the 4,000 defaulters, the enforcement strategies in place are expected to rejuvenate the FCT’s infrastructure.
The Wike administration’s efforts to combat lawlessness have already begun to trouble those who have previously exploited loopholes, diverting funds from the government into private hands.
Since the initiation of ground rent enforcement on May 26, 2025, there is optimism that revenue from the housing sector will significantly increase, affecting a variety of public and private entities.
The approach, which includes locking the offices of defaulters, has sent a clear warning that those failing to comply should prepare for consequences.
Ongoing reforms in land administration aim to regularise land documentation processes and ensure that all associated fees are collected efficiently.
Despite 445 Mass Housing allocations being granted, only two developers have adhered to the required terms, leaving an alarming 443 to operate unlawfully, a situation the current administration is committed to rectifying.
A newly established task force will also focus on the issue of unregistered estate developers, promoting better documentation and regularisation with the FCT authorities.
These reforms, effective from April 21, 2025, will delineate the conditions for Statutory Rights of Occupancy, introducing strict deadlines for payment and establishing penalties for delays, thereby enhancing revenue collection.
Land allottees must now make full payments within 21 days of offer receipt, or risk forfeiting their allocations, with a two-year timeline set for developing granted lands.
The backlog of land documents awaiting regularisation remains substantial, with only a small percentage successfully vetted since 2006.
The Mass Housing Programme, launched in 2000 to facilitate affordable housing through Public-Private Partnerships, has seen limited success, with only two developers meeting their obligations.
The introduction of a new operational framework aims to expedite the titling process, rebuilding trust in the management of land within the FCT.
Through these innovative policies, Wike’s administration is set to generate over 200 billion naira annually, ensuring ongoing infrastructural development and fulfilling its commitments.
With a restructured IGR system under the FCT-IRS, further advancements and reforms are on the horizon, with untapped land revenue expected to drive the FCT administration’s success.
