In a decisive move, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has approved the revocation of 4,794 land titles due to non-payment of Ground Rent for over 40 years.
The affected properties are located in prime areas including the Central Area, Garki I and II, Wuse I and II, Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape. According to the FCT Administration (FCTA), 8,375 property owners in these areas have failed to pay Ground Rent for the last 43 years.
This information was disclosed during a press briefing by the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, alongside FCTA’s Director of Lands, Chijioke Nwankwoeze.
The FCTA revealed that despite numerous announcements and publications in national media since 2023 urging defaulters to settle their outstanding dues, there has been minimal response from property owners. The government emphasized that payment of Ground Rent is a legal requirement under the terms of the Right of Occupancy for properties in the FCT, with payments due annually on January 1st, without demand.
A comprehensive list of defaulters was compiled, covering the ten oldest districts of Phase 1 of the Federal Capital City (FCC), including Cadastral Zones A00 to A09, which encompass Central Area, Garki, Wuse, Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape.
As of the end of 2024, property owners owe a total of N6.97 billion in Ground Rent. Of the 8,375 defaulters, 4,794 have not paid for over 10 years, which directly violates the conditions outlined in the Land Use Act, Section 28, Subsections 5(a) and (b). As a result, the titles for these properties have been immediately revoked.
Additionally, the FCTA has granted a 21-day grace period for property owners who have defaulted on payments for between one and ten years. After this period, the titles for these properties will also be revoked.
This move underscores the government’s commitment to enforcing property regulations and ensuring compliance with legal requirements across the Federal Capital Territory.
