FCT Minister revokes  4,794 land titles in Abuja over 10 years of unpaid ground rent

The disclosure was made by the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the minister, Mr. Lere Olayinka, at a news conference in Abuja on Monday, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Mr. Olayinka revealed that 8,375 property owners in Abuja owed a total of N6.97 billion in unpaid ground rent as of the end of 2024. Some had defaulted for up to 43 years, violating Section 28(5)(a) and (b) of the Land Use Act.

He noted that despite multiple public notices since 2023, defaulters failed to comply, leading to the mass revocation. Ground rent is legally due on January 1 each year, Mr. Olayinka added, emphasizing its basis in FCT land regulations.

“The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has approved the revocation of 4,794 land titles over non-payment of ground rent for more than 10 years.

“Mr Lere Olayinka Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the minister announced the revocation at a news conference in Abuja on Monday.

“Olayinka said that a total of 8,375 property owners owed a total of N6.97 billion as ground rent as at the end of 2024,” the NAN report read in part.

The FCTA Director of Lands, Mr. Chijioke Nwankwoeze, explained that the revoked titles mainly belonged to property owners in the 10 oldest districts in Phase 1 of the Federal Capital City. These include Central Area, Garki I and II, Wuse I and II, Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape.

“Once a title is revoked, the property reverts to the FCTA, so, effectively, all the 4,794 properties have reverted to the government,” Nwankwoeze emphasized.

Additionally, the FCTA has granted a 21-day grace period to title holders who defaulted on ground rent payments for between one and 10 years. If they fail to clear their debts within this timeframe, their land titles will also be revoked.

This move aligns with the FCT Minister’s ongoing efforts to enhance revenue generation in the FCT and ensure compliance with land administration regulations.