Malik Yahya/
In a sweeping crackdown on land defaulters, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revoked 4,794 land titles due to non-payment of Ground Rent for over four decades.
This decision follows a prolonged period of non-compliance, with a staggering 8,375 property owners in Abuja’s prime locations—Central Area, Garki I & II, Wuse I & II, Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape—owing nearly ₦7 billion in unpaid dues.
Speaking at a press briefing, Lere Olayinka, the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, alongside Chijioke Nwankwoeze, the FCTA Director of Lands, stated that despite multiple public notices and media announcements since 2023, many allottees failed to meet their obligations.
“The payment of Ground Rent is a legal requirement and a fundamental condition of land ownership in the FCT,” Olayinka emphasized. “Despite repeated warnings, 4,794 property owners have defaulted for over a decade, leading to the immediate revocation of their titles.”
The FCTA clarified that affected property owners had ample time to settle their dues, as Ground Rent is mandatory and payable annually from January 1 without demand. However, persistent non-payment prompted enforcement action under Section 28(5)(a) and (b) of the Land Use Act.
While the revocation is final for those in default for 10 years and above, the government has offered a 21-day grace period for property owners who owe Ground Rent for between one and ten years. Failure to comply within this window will lead to further revocations.
This move is part of the FCTA’s broader effort to restore financial discipline in land administration and ensure compliance with statutory obligations. The affected properties span the ten oldest districts in Phase 1 of the Federal Capital City (FCC), including Central Area, Asokoro, and Maitama.
Property owners who wish to regularize their titles are urged to act swiftly before the final deadline.
0Related posts:
Ex-Corp Member Impersonates FCT Minister, Scams Contractors of N52M
Wike Spits Fire, Set for Demolitions, Lay Down Rules for FCT Residents Minutes after Swearing-In
FCT Water Board to Shut Down Supply to Asokoro, Garki Maitama, Others for 5 Days
N1.2bn Fraud: Former FCT Minister’s Son Gets Interesting Bail Conditions