By Ben Adoga, Abuja
Following President Bola Tinubu’s intervention, the Federal Capital Territory Administration, which commenced the sealing and takeover of defaulting persons and organisations who have not paid ground rent for up to 10 to 45 years on their properties, has been given 14 more days to pay up.
Briefing the press late yesterday, Director of Lands Chijioke Nwankwoeze said both individuals and government properties were equally affected. However, following Mr. President’s intervention, they extended a two-week moratorium.
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 Federal Capital Territory Administration’s commitment to carrying out its functions without fear or favour.
“However, 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.”
Nwankwoeze spelt out the penalties for defaulters based on their locations.
“For properties in the Central Area, the sum of N5m will be paid by the defaulters as a penalty, in addition to the ground rent owed.
“Those in Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, and Guzape Districts will pay the sum of N3m as a penalty and the ground rent owed.
“Defaulters in Wuse I, Garki I and Garki II will pay N2 million as a penalty in addition to the ground rent owed.”
He also gave 14 days’ grace for property owners and those who purchased from a third party to obtain the Minister’s mandatory consent.
“Also, all those who purchased properties from other people but are yet to register their interests by obtaining the mandatory Minister’s Consent and registering their Deeds of Assignment now have 14 days (two weeks) to do so at the FCT Department of Land Administration.”
On Rights of Occupancy, R of O, the Director of Lands said the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has equally granted two weeks for all property owners in the FCT to pay up.
“Furthermore, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has granted a 14 days (two weeks) grace period to all property holders in the FCT to pay up their Right of Occupancy (R-of-O)/Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills, or risk revocation of those titles.”
He also reemphasised that the FCT Minister had advised all property owners to “ensure that they pay all necessary bills and charges on their properties as at and when due, so as to enable the government to continue to carry out necessary developmental projects for the benefit of the people.”
Recall that earlier in the day, FCT Administration officials, led by the Director of Development Control, Muhktar Galadima, and the FCT Director of Lands, Nwankwoeze, stormed the streets, sealing ground rent defaulters. Prominent among them was Wadata Plaza, housing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the headquarters of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and some banks.
