Wike slams FCT land defaulters with fine

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has come down hard on Abuja land defaulters with a N5 million fine and an additional 7.5% charge on properties illegally converted without FCTA approval.

Wike handed down the directive after receiving the report of the committee set up to probe massive abuse of the Land Use Act in the capital city.

The committee, chaired by Muktar Galadima, revealed that several highbrow properties on Ademola Adetokunbo Street, Aminu Kano Crescent, Yakubu Gowon Street, and Gana Street had been illegally converted for residential, commercial, or mixed use — in total worth over N1 trillion.

It recommended sealing, demolition, revocation of titles, and withdrawal of rights of occupancy for defaulters who fail to pay up within 30 days.

Wike, in his usual blunt tone, warned that nobody would escape:

“I’m not going to leave anybody to go free. We are looking for money to carry on projects. If you fall into our trap, it’s your business. You have to pay the penalty and pay for the conversion; they are two different things.”

He blasted land grabbers who believe they can “do anything without government approval,” stressing that sanctions were the only way to end the culture of impunity.