FCT Minister Wike Signs 5,481 Certificates of Occupancy in One Year

Abuja, Nigeria—As of December 31, 2024, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has signed 5,481 Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-Os) within a single year, marking a significant improvement in land title processing in the Territory.

Streamlining Land Title Issuance

The total number of C-of-Os signed by the minister is 2,919 fewer than the combined figures issued by the FCT Administration (FCTA) between 2010 and 2023, a period spanning 13 years.

In a statement issued by Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, land allottees can now obtain their C-of-Os within two weeks after completing required payments.

“Previously, land allottees hesitated to make payments due to delays in receiving their C-of-Os, which often took years. However, in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, this process has been significantly expedited,” Olayinka said.

He further disclosed that uploading details for C-of-O collection, which used to take months, now takes only 72 hours.

Historical Overview of C-of-O Issuance

Providing a 15-year breakdown, Olayinka revealed the following figures:
– From May 2010 to May 2015, 5,655 C-of-Os were issued.
– Between May 2015 and May 2019, only 1,174 C-of-Os were processed.
– From May 2019 to May 2023, a total of 1,571 C-of-Os were signed.
– Since President Tinubu’s administration began in May 2023, Wike has already issued 5,481 C-of-Os.

Improved Notification System

To further enhance the process, automated SMS notifications will soon be introduced to alert land allottees when their C-of-Os are ready for collection. “It has been discovered that many allottees are unaware that their title documents are ready for pick-up,” Olayinka added.

Conclusion

The minister’s reforms are expected to not only improve service delivery but also restore confidence among land allottees in the FCT. These changes underscore the administration’s commitment to efficiency and transparency in land management.

By Taiwo olatinwo| January 14, 2025