The affected properties are located in some of Abuja’s most high-profile districts, including Central Area, Garki I & II, Wuse I & II, Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revoked 4,794 land titles due to non-payment of Ground Rent spanning over four decades.
The affected properties are located in some of Abuja’s most high-profile districts, including Central Area, Garki I & II, Wuse I & II, Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape.
Despite repeated warnings, a total of 8,375 property owners have failed to settle their obligations, prompting the administration to take action.
Announcing the revocation, the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, alongside the Director of Lands at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Chijioke Nwankwoeze, reiterated that the decision was necessary to enforce compliance and uphold the law.
“The FCTA made numerous publications in national newspapers and announcements on broadcast media since 2023, calling on defaulters to pay up all outstanding bills and Ground Rents. All these yielded little response, as several allottees failed to pay,” Olayinka stated.
Authorities clarified that paying Ground Rent is not an option but a legal obligation for all landowners in the FCT.
Under existing legislation, landholders must fulfil this requirement as a condition of their Right of Occupancy.
“It is important to state that payment of Ground Rent on landed properties in the FCT is founded on extant legislation. It is clearly stipulated in the terms and conditions of grant of Right of Occupancy, and it is due for payment on the first day of January each year, without demand,” Nwankwoeze explained.
The crackdown comes in response to shocking figures showing that, as of the end of 2024, defaulters collectively owed ₦6,967,980,119 in unpaid Ground Rent. At least 4,794 property owners have ignored these obligations for over a decade, violating the Land Use Act.
“This is in contravention of the terms and conditions of grant of the Rights of Occupancy, in line with the provisions of Section 28, Subsections 5(a) and (b) of the Land Use Act,” the FCTA noted.
With immediate effect, all land titles in default for ten years or more have been revoked.
However, a 21-day grace period has been granted to those with outstanding debts between one and ten years, offering them a final opportunity to avoid revocation.
“A grace of 21 Days is also given to title holders that are in default of payment of Ground Rent for between one and ten years, after which the affected titles will be revoked.”