By Ben Adoga, Abuja
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has revoked land ownership for 4,794 allottees in the FCT who have not paid their ground rent for 40 years or more.
Briefing journalists yesterday, the FCT Director of Land, Chinioke Nwankwuoeze, and the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, said the revocations took place in the Central Area, Garki I and II, Wuse I and II, Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape. A total of 8,375 property owners have not paid Ground Rent in the last 43 years.
“It should be noted that the FCTA has made numerous publications in national newspapers and announcements on broadcast media since 2023, calling on defaulters to pay all outstanding bills and ground rents. However, these efforts yielded little response, as several allottees failed to pay.
“It is important to state that payment of Ground Rent on landed properties in the FCT is founded on extant legislation. It is stipulated in the terms and conditions of the grant of Right of Occupancy, and it is due for payment on January 1, each year, without demand.
“Consequently, a list of land titles in default of payment of Ground Rent has been compiled in the ten oldest districts of Phase 1 of the Federal Capital City, FCC. They are:+ Central Area District (Cadastral Zone A00), Garki I (Cadastral Zone A01), Wuse I (Cadastral Zone A02), Garki II (Cadastral Zone A03), Asokoro (Cadastral Zone A04), Maitama (Cadastral Zone A05), Maitama (Cadastral Zone A06), Wuse II (Cadastral Zone A07), Wuse II (Cadastral Zone A08) and Guzape (Cadastral Zone A09).
“As of the end of 2024 and until today, a total of N6,967,980,119 is owed as Ground Rent by 8,375 property owners. In other words, 8,375 property owners have not paid Ground Rent up to last year, 2024.
“Allottees who have not paid in the last 10 years have been given a grace period of 21 days to pay up or face total revocation.
“This is in contravention of the terms and conditions of the grant of the Rights of Occupancy, in line with the provisions of Section 28, Subsections 5(a) and (b) of the Land Use Act.
“A grace of 21 Days is also given to title holders that are in default of payment of Ground Rent for between one and ten years, after which the affected tittles will be revoked,” he stated.
The Director of Lands said this revocation excludes the earlier published names. He said adequate publication has been made to drive down the message.
