Beginning Monday, May 26, 2025, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will begin reclaiming 4,794 properties in Abuja due to prolonged non-payment of ground rent, with some cases of default stretching back as far as 43 years.
The development was confirmed during a joint press conference held on Friday by Mr. Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communication and Social Media; Mr. Chijioke Nwankwoeze, Director of Land Administration; and Mr. Mukhtar Galadima, Director of Development Control.
The officials explained that the revocation of these land titles was conducted in line with Section 28(5)(a)(b) of the Land Use Act, which empowers the government to revoke land rights for breach of occupancy conditions.
The affected properties are located in some of Abuja’s most prominent districts, including the Central Area, Garki I and II, Wuse I and II, Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape.
According to the FCTA, ownership of the revoked properties has reverted to the administration, which will now proceed with physical takeovers starting next week.
“This action will be carried out in full compliance with existing laws and without regard to individual ownership claims. It is strictly a legal process guided by applicable statutes,” the officials said.
The move follows an earlier announcement on March 18, 2025, where the FCTA identified 4,794 defaulting properties out of 8,375 under review—including the under-construction National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party in the Central Business District. The total outstanding debt in ground rent exceeds N6.96 billion.
The Wike-led administration had given a 21-day window for those whose debts were less than 10 years old to settle their dues or risk revocation. That grace period has since expired.
Director of Land Administration, Mr. Nwankwoeze, noted that agencies have already compiled records of compliance and defaulters will now face appropriate consequences.
“Payment of ground rent is a legal obligation clearly outlined in the terms of the Right of Occupancy, and it is expected to be paid annually on January 1 without the need for a reminder,” he emphasized.
Addressing concerns over legal challenges from some affected individuals, Nwankwoeze stated that there has been no court injunction preventing the FCTA from carrying out its duties.
Meanwhile, Mr. Galadima, Director of Development Control, revealed that the exercise will involve sealing off the identified properties and denying access to them.
The administration will determine future plans for these properties in due time.
Leave a Reply