Abuja – FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has revoked 4,794 land titles because owners did not pay Ground Rent. Some owners have not paid for over 40 years.
Affected Areas and Notices
The revoked land titles are in major Abuja districts, including the Central Area, Garki I and II, Wuse I and II, Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape. The FCT Administration (FCTA) published notices in newspapers and made announcements on broadcast media since 2023. The FCTA urged those who owed money to pay their outstanding Ground Rent arrears.
Lere Olayinka, the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant, said many allottees failed to pay. He stated that existing laws and the terms of the Right of Occupancy require payment of Ground Rent on FCT properties.
Legal Basis and Further Action
Chijioke Nwankwoeze, FCTA Director of Lands, said 8,375 property owners owe a total of N6,967,980,119 in Ground Rent. 4,794 property owners have not paid for over ten years. The Director said the land titles were revoked under Section 28, Subsections 5(a) and (b) of the Land Use Act.
Property owners who have not paid Ground Rent for between one and ten years have a 21-day grace period. After that, the FCTA will revoke their titles if they do not comply.
