Wike Signs 26,272 C-of-Os to Boost FCT Business Growth

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has signed a total of 26,272 Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office, as part of efforts to ease business operations in the FCT. This figure is a substantial increase compared to the 8,697 C-of-O issued between 2010 and 2023.

Under President Goodluck Jonathan's administration, 5,500 C-of-O were signed, while President Muhammadu Buhari's administration issued 3,197. Many beneficiaries of the recent C-of-O allocations had been waiting for over a decade.

The FCT Administration has also introduced a streamlined process that allows land allottees to receive their C-of-O within two weeks after payment, along with an automated notification system for document readiness. Additionally, 2,521 Consents to Assign and 177 Consents to Mortgage were granted in the last three years, compared to previous administrations.

A Consent to Assign is necessary for property sales, while a Consent to Mortgage is required for using property as loan collateral.