The Federal Capital Territory Administration has recorded a major acceleration in property documentation. FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has signed 26,272 Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) since the current administration took office — a figure that significantly exceeds the total produced and signed between 2010 and 2023.
According to official statements released in mid-August 2026, the previous 13-year period (covering the Jonathan and Buhari administrations) saw only 8,697 C-of-Os issued. The current volume therefore represents a substantial increase in the pace of title regularisation in the FCT.
Key Highlights
- Many beneficiaries of the newly signed C-of-Os received their land allocations more than 10 years ago.
- The FCTA has streamlined the process so that allottees can now obtain their C-of-O within approximately two weeks after completing the required payments.
- An automated notification system has been introduced to alert applicants when their documents are ready for collection.
- In addition to the C-of-Os, the administration has also granted a higher volume of Consents to Assign and Consents to Mortgage compared with previous periods.
Why This Matters
A Certificate of Occupancy is critical because it:
- Provides stronger evidence of title
- Enables property owners to use their land or buildings as collateral for loans and mortgages
- Facilitates easier transfer and commercial transactions
- Improves overall ease of doing business in the FCT
Delays in obtaining C-of-Os have long restricted access to finance for individuals and small businesses. The accelerated processing aims to unlock the economic value of land that had remained tied up for years.
Implications for Buyers, Sellers and Investors
- Improved title security should increase confidence in FCT property transactions.
- Faster documentation may support higher transaction volumes and better access to mortgage and commercial financing.
- Property owners who previously delayed completing their documentation now have a clearer and quicker path to formal title.
- Investors and developers operating in Abuja should benefit from a more efficient land administration environment.
Practical Advice
If you have an outstanding land allocation in the FCT:
- Confirm the current status of your file
- Complete any outstanding payments promptly
- Take advantage of the streamlined two-week processing window
- Engage a qualified professional to guide you through the final steps
Final Thoughts
The significant increase in C-of-O issuance under the current FCT Administration marks a meaningful step toward improving title security and ease of doing business in Abuja. While challenges in land administration persist across Nigeria, faster and more transparent documentation processes are essential for unlocking property value and supporting economic activity.
Property owners and investors in the FCT should take advantage of the improved processing timelines to regularise their titles where necessary.
Have you recently obtained or applied for a C-of-O in the FCT? How has the process compared with previous experiences? Share your feedback in the comments.
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