Realtors Call for Law to Strip FCT Minister of Land Revocation Powers

A prominent Nigerian real estate practitioner has petitioned the National Assembly to enact legislation that would remove the discretionary power of the Federal Capital Territory Minister to revoke land titles in Abuja.

The call for legislative intervention comes amid growing concerns within the real estate sector about the arbitrary revocation of Certificates of Occupancy by successive FCT administrations, which practitioners say has created uncertainty and discouraged investment in the nation's capital.

Under current Nigerian law, the FCT Minister possesses sweeping authority to revoke land allocations for reasons ranging from non-development to overriding public interest. While this power was originally designed to prevent land speculation and ensure efficient use of scarce urban land, critics argue it has been subject to abuse and political manipulation.

The realtor, who serves as the head of a major real estate firm in Abuja, told lawmakers that the existing legal framework undermines property rights and exposes legitimate investors to the risk of losing their assets without adequate compensation or due process.

Property developers have long complained about the challenges of securing land titles in the FCT, with many claiming that revocations often target politically exposed individuals or those who have fallen out of favour with the administration, rather than being based on genuine violations of land use regulations.

The proposed legislative amendment would require judicial oversight for any revocation of land titles in the Federal Capital Territory, ensuring that property owners have the right to challenge government decisions in court before their assets are seized.

Legal experts say the current arrangement, which places both allocation and revocation powers in the hands of a single political appointee, contradicts the principles of natural justice and separation of powers. They argue that an independent tribunal or the courts should have the final say on land disputes.

The FCT Administration has defended the existing system, arguing that the Minister's powers are necessary to prevent land racketeering and ensure that Abuja's master plan is not compromised by unauthorised developments.

The National Assembly has yet to indicate whether it will take up the proposal, but the petition has reignited debate about land reform in Nigeria and the need to balance administrative efficiency with the protection of property rights.