The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revoked 4,794 land titles over non-payment of Ground Rent, some of which have been outstanding for over 40 years.
At a press briefing in Abuja, the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Director of Lands, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, revealed that a total of 8,375 property owners in key districts of the FCT have defaulted on payments.
According to Nwankwoeze, the affected districts include Central Area, Garki I and II, Wuse I and II, Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape. These property owners collectively owe a staggering ₦6.97 billion in unpaid Ground Rent.
“The FCTA has made multiple announcements and publications since 2023, urging defaulters to settle their outstanding debts, but many have failed to comply,” he stated.
The Land Use Act stipulates that Ground Rent is due for payment on January 1 of each year. Failure to do so for ten years or more is a violation of the Right of Occupancy.
“As a result, the titles of properties in default for over ten years have been revoked forthwith. However, a 21-day grace period has been granted to those who are in default for between one and ten years. If they fail to pay within this period, their land titles will also be revoked,” the officials warned.
The revocation aligns with the FCT Administration’s renewed efforts to enforce land regulations and improve revenue generation.
