FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has signed 26,272 Certificates of Occupancy since his administration took office, a tally that dwarfs the 8,697 issued between 2010 and 2023 under the Jonathan and Buhari governments.
Record‑setting pace of title regularisation
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) announced in mid‑August 2026 that the current eight‑year period accounts for more than three times the number of C‑of‑Os produced in the previous 13 years. Beneficiaries of the new certificates often received their land allocations more than a decade ago, but had to wait years for formal title.
To speed the process, the agency has trimmed the waiting time to roughly two weeks after applicants settle required payments. An automated notification system now alerts owners when their documents are ready for collection, cutting down on the need for in‑person follow‑ups.
Beyond the surge in occupancy certificates, the agency reports a higher volume of Consents to Assign and Consents to Mortgage, suggesting a broader push to clear land‑related bottlenecks.
Impact on buyers, sellers and investors
Secure titles give owners stronger proof of ownership and enable them to use land or buildings as collateral for loans. This change is expected to lift confidence in property transactions across Abuja, potentially raising the number of deals and easing access to mortgage financing.
For small businesses that previously struggled to secure financing, the faster documentation may unlock capital that was tied up in un‑registered land. Developers and investors are also likely to benefit from a more predictable land‑administration environment.
If you hold an outstanding land allocation in the FCT, officials advise confirming the file’s status, settling any remaining payments promptly, and taking advantage of the two‑week processing window. Engaging a qualified professional to guide the final steps remains recommended.
The market feels the impact.
While the numbers signal progress, the broader context remains uneven. Land administration across Nigeria still faces challenges ranging from outdated registries to limited digital infrastructure. The FCTA’s reforms, however, illustrate how targeted policy changes can improve title security and, by extension, the ease of doing business in the capital.
Overall, the surge in C‑of‑Os marks a meaningful step toward a more transparent land market in Abuja. Property owners and investors are encouraged to use the streamlined process to regularise their titles, thereby strengthening the legal foundation of their assets.