Wike signs 5,481 certificates of occupancy in one year, reduces FCT title processing time to two weeks

DDM News

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has achieved a significant milestone by signing 5,481 Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) as of December 31, 2024

Diaspora digital media DDM recorded this remarkable achievement that represents a major improvement in land title processing and issuance under his leadership, as highlighted by Lere Olayinka, the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media.

This figure surpasses the annual average of C-of-O issued by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) in the last 13 years and marks a significant departure from the inefficiencies of previous administrations.

According to Olayinka, the FCTA issued a total of 10,400 C-of-O from 2010 to 2023, with the current administration accounting for nearly half of that number in just one year.

Olayinka emphasized that under Wike’s directive, the process of obtaining Certificates of Occupancy in the FCT has become faster and more transparent.

“Once land allottees make the required payments, they can now receive their C-of-O within two weeks,” he stated.

This streamlined process is part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, aimed at enhancing efficiency and accountability in government operations.

One of the challenges land allottees previously faced was the long waiting period after payment, which discouraged many from completing the process.

However, Olayinka explained that Wike’s reforms have addressed this issue, ensuring that all necessary information is uploaded and documented within 72 hours of completing the process.

This has drastically reduced delays, making it easier for landowners to access their title documents.

Providing a breakdown of C-of-O issuance over the past 15 years, Olayinka noted that from May 2010 to May 2015, the FCTA signed 5,655 Certificates of Occupancy.

Between May 2015 and May 2019, only 1,174 were issued, and from May 2019 to May 2023, the figure slightly increased to 1,571.

In comparison, Wike’s administration has signed 5,481 C-of-O between May 2023 and December 2024, demonstrating a sharp improvement in output.

Olayinka further revealed that Wike’s reforms include the introduction of an auto-generated SMS notification system.

This system will inform land allottees when their Certificates of Occupancy are ready for collection, addressing the issue of uncollected documents due to a lack of awareness.

The FCTA is committed to ensuring that landowners are promptly notified, thereby enhancing transparency and reducing the burden on citizens.

In line with his commitment to reforming the FCT’s land administration, Wike has set a new benchmark for efficiency and accountability.

The swift processing time and increased output of Certificates of Occupancy highlight the administration’s focus on improving service delivery and boosting public confidence in the system.

With these achievements, Wike has positioned the FCT as a model for land administration reforms, reflecting the broader objectives of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

As the system continues to evolve, land allottees can now expect a more reliable and efficient process for securing their land titles.

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