What is different about building in Abuja
- Land title: land in the FCT is administered by the Federal Capital Territory Administration; titles are searched and recorded through the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS).
- Building approval: building plans are approved by the FCTA Department of Development Control, and the development must follow the approved plan.
- Ground conditions: rocky ground in parts of the city can make excavation slower and dearer than in Lagos; waterlogged areas exist too. A soil test still comes first.
- Costs: building costs in Abuja are broadly similar to mainland Lagos; premium districts (Maitama, Asokoro) cost more.
Eight criteria to compare (and where to check them)
| Criterion | What to look for | How to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Registration | CAC registration; COREN engineers; ARCON architect | CAC search; COREN and ARCON registers |
| Relevant projects | Projects like yours (homes vs roads vs towers) | Portfolio pages with locations and dates; site visit |
| Open costing | Itemised BOQ you can check | Ask for a sample BOQ |
| Payment control | Stage payments after inspection | The payment schedule in the contract |
| Reporting | Camera, weekly reports, inspection reports | Ask to see a past report |
| Insurance | Contractors’ all-risk cover | Insurer’s policy schedule |
| Aftercare | Defects liability period; handover pack | Written in the contract |
| References | Clients who will speak to you | Two or three calls |
Questions to ask in Abuja
- Who will process the building plan approval with Development Control, and how long do you expect it to take?
- Have you built in this district before, and can I see that project?
- How will the land title be checked with AGIS before we start?
- Where is your site team based, and who inspects each stage?
Questions people ask
How do I choose a construction company in Abuja?
Check CAC, COREN and ARCON registration, see comparable finished projects, compare itemised BOQs, insist on stage payments after inspection, and confirm the land title with AGIS and the building approval with Development Control.
Who approves building plans in Abuja?
The Department of Development Control of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
How do I verify land in Abuja?
Through a lawyer’s search of the title with the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS), plus a physical inspection of the plot.