In a decisive move to enforce compliance with land regulations, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has approved the revocation of 4,794 land titles due to non-payment of Ground Rent spanning over a decade.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) revealed that a staggering N6.97 billion in unpaid Ground Rent has accumulated from 8,375 property owners across some of Abuja’s most prime locations, including Central Area, Garki I & II, Wuse I & II, Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape.
Addressing the press, the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, alongside the FCTA Director of Lands, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, emphasized that numerous notices had been issued via national newspapers and broadcast media since 2023, urging defaulters to settle their outstanding dues.
“Payment of Ground Rent is a legal obligation under the Land Use Act, and it is due on the first of January every year without demand. Despite repeated warnings, many allottees have continued to default,” Olayinka stated.
Citing Section 28, Subsections 5(a) and (b) of the Land Use Act, the administration affirmed that the 4,794 revoked titles had remained in default for over 10 years. Meanwhile, property owners who owe between one and ten years have been given a final 21-day grace period to pay up or risk revocation.
This crackdown signals a firm stance by the FCTA against land ownership violations, reinforcing the government’s commitment to upholding Abuja’s land administration policies.
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