Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike signed 26,272 Certificates of Occupancy in Abuja over the last three years [1].
The move aims to resolve long-standing land-document backlogs that have historically hindered property ownership and investment in Nigeria's capital. By formalizing these titles, the administration seeks to simplify the process of doing business, and provide legal security for thousands of landowners [4].
This administrative push began after President Bola Tinubu assumed office in May 2023 [2]. The volume of certificates issued during this period reportedly surpasses the total number of documents signed over the previous 13 years [3].
Officials said the effort is a key component of the 'Renewed Hope' agenda, which focuses on economic revitalization, and infrastructure development [4]. The certificates, known locally as C-of-O, serve as the primary legal proof of land ownership in Nigeria. Without these documents, property owners often struggle to secure bank loans or transfer titles legally [1].
By accelerating the issuance of these 26,272 documents [1], the FCT administration intends to unlock dormant capital and encourage formal real estate development. This process reduces the bureaucratic friction that has traditionally slowed urban expansion in the Federal Capital Territory [4].
Local authorities said the initiative is part of a broader strategy to modernize land administration in Abuja. The administration continues to review pending applications to ensure that land allocation aligns with current urban planning goals [3].
“Wike signed 26,272 Certificates of Occupancy in Abuja over the last three years.”
The mass issuance of land titles in Abuja represents a strategic effort to formalize the city's real estate market. By converting informal holdings into legal assets, the government is effectively increasing the collateral available to citizens and businesses, which can stimulate local lending and investment. However, the scale of the backlog suggests that previous administrative failures created a significant bottleneck in the city's economic growth.
