President Bola Tinubu has intervened in the ongoing enforcement action against ground rent defaulters in the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) granting a 14-day grace period to affected property holders to settle their outstanding obligations.
This development comes after the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) commenced enforcement on 4,794 properties revoked due to non-payment of ground rent spanning between 10 and 43 years.
Director of Land, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, disclosed the development at a press briefing in Abuja yesterday evening, noting however, that the defaulters will pay penalty fees of ₦2m and ₦3m respectively, depending on the location.
He said: “Today, May 26, 2025, we commenced enforcement on the 4,794 properties revoked for non-payment of Ground Rent, from 10 to 43 years. Properties owned by government institutions, corporate organisations and individuals were affected. This demonstrates the FCTA’s commitment to carrying out its functions without fear or favour.
“The President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has intervened. Therefore, by Mr. President’s intervention, holders of the affected properties now have 14 days (two weeks) to settle the outstanding Ground Rents, with associated penalties”.
“For properties in the Central Area, the sum of ₦5 million will be paid by the defaulters as penalty, in addition to the Ground Rent owed. Those in Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, and Guzape Districts will pay the sum of ₦3 million as penalty, in addition to the Ground Rent owed. Defaulters in Wuse I, Garki I and Garki II will pay ₦2 million as penalty in addition to the Ground Rent owed”, he further clarified.
Nwakwoeze also addressed issues surrounding unregistered property transfers, urging those who had purchased properties to register interest in ownership by obtaining the mandatory Minister’s Consent and registering their Deeds of Assignment within the next two weeks.
In addition, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has urged persons yet to pay their Rights of Occupancy bills to do so within the next two weeks or risk revocation of their titles.
The Director also warned that, “Going forward, the Minister has advised property owners in the FCT to ensure that they pay all necessary bills and charges on their properties as and when due, so as to enable the Government to continue to carry out necessary developmental projects for the benefit of the people”.
