The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ushered in a new era of efficiency in land administration, signing an unprecedented 5,481 Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-Os) within his first year in office. This achievement marks a significant departure from the inefficiencies of the past and sets a new benchmark for governance in the nation’s capital.
According to Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to the FCT Minister, this figure represents a massive improvement compared to the 13 years from 2010 to 2023, during which only 13,150 C-of-Os were signed.
“The moment necessary payments are made, land allottees can now get their C-of-O within two weeks,” Olayinka stated. He attributed this efficiency to Wike’s commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes improved service delivery across all sectors.
A Historical Comparison
Olayinka provided a breakdown of previous years’ performance:
2010–2015: 5,655 C-of-Os signed
2015–2019: 1,174 C-of-Os signed
2019–2023: 1,571 C-of-Os signed
2023–2024 (under Wike): 5,481 C-of-Os signed
This remarkable output in just one year surpasses the combined achievements of several years, reflecting a decisive shift toward transparency, accountability, and prompt service delivery.
Faster Processes, Transparent Governance
Under Wike’s leadership, the FCT Administration has drastically reduced the time required for uploading and verifying land information. What previously took months is now completed within 72 hours.
To further enhance transparency and accessibility, the administration is set to implement an auto-generated SMS notification system. This innovation will promptly inform land allottees when their C-of-Os are ready for collection, addressing a long-standing issue where many were unaware of their document status.
“Delays in issuing C-of-Os previously discouraged land allottees from completing necessary payments. Now, with this transformation, they are assured of timely service, boosting confidence in the system and encouraging compliance,” Olayinka explained.
A New Standard for Land Administration
Wike’s reforms signify more than just numbers—they reflect a commitment to building trust and efficiency within the FCT’s land administration system. By cutting bureaucracy and ensuring faster service delivery, the minister has created a model of governance that aligns with the aspirations of residents and investors alike.
This transformation in land administration underscores Wike’s dedication to redefining public service, ensuring that the FCT remains a beacon of accountability and development in Nigeria.
