The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has approved strict penalties for land allottees and title holders who violate the Land Use Act in Abuja.

Under the new directive, defaulters will pay a ₦5 million fine within 30 days, in addition to a 7.5 percent charge on the assessed capital value of any property converted without the approval of the FCT Administration.

The minister announced the measures after receiving the report of a special committee set up to investigate abuses of the Land Use Act.

According to the committee’s chairman, Muktar Galadima, several high-value properties on streets such as Ademola Adetokunbo, Aminu Kano Crescent, Yakubu Gowon, and Gana Street have been illegally converted from their approved residential or commercial purposes. He disclosed that the total value of such properties was estimated at over ₦1 trillion.

The committee recommended sanctions including sealing of properties, removal of structures, or outright revocation of titles if affected owners fail to comply.

Speaking on the development, Wike warned that the administration would not allow offenders to escape sanctions.

“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,” he said.

The minister added that the penalties were necessary to restore order in land administration and generate revenue for ongoing projects in the FCT.