President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stepped in to temporarily halt the ongoing revocation and sealing of thousands of properties in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) due to long-standing ground rent defaults.
This intervention follows the recent action by the FCT Administration, led by Minister Nyesom Wike, which targeted 4,794 properties that had failed to pay ground rents for periods ranging between 10 and 43 years.
The Director of Land Administration in the FCT, Mr. Chijioke Nwankwoeze, made the announcement during a late-night briefing on Monday in Abuja.
“On May 26, 2025, enforcement commenced on 4,794 properties revoked for non-payment of ground rent over the last four decades,” Nwankwoeze disclosed.
“These properties cut across government agencies, private corporations, and individuals. The FCT Administration remains firm in enforcing its statutory responsibilities without fear or favour,” he added.
However, following President Tinubu’s directive, affected property owners have now been granted a 14-day grace period to regularise their documentation and settle all outstanding dues, including penalties.
“By the intervention of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a two-week grace period has been approved for all affected property holders to pay their outstanding ground rents and related penalties,” Nwankwoeze announced.
He detailed the penalties based on property location: Central Area: N5 million penalty plus owed ground rent, Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, Guzape: N3 million penalty, Wuse I, Garki I, Garki II: N2 million penalty
In addition to settling rent arrears, property owners who acquired properties without securing the required Minister’s Consent and registering their Deeds of Assignment have been asked to do so within the 14-day window through the FCT Department of Land Administration.
Also, Minister Nyesom Wike has extended the same 14-day ultimatum to all property holders in the FCT to settle their Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) and Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) charges or face possible revocation of their land titles.
“The grace period is a final call for defaulters to comply. All property owners are advised to ensure timely payment of bills to support the government’s ongoing developmental efforts in the FCT,” Wike stated.
