President Bola Tinubu has intervened in the ongoing enforcement drive by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) over unpaid ground rent, granting a 14-day grace period for defaulters to settle their debts or risk permanent loss of property titles.
This follows the FCTA’s announcement on Monday, May 26, 2025, of the revocation of 4,794 property titles after between 10 and 43 years of non-payment. The affected properties span individuals, corporate organizations, and government institutions.
In a statement issued by the Director of Land Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, the FCTA said the President’s intervention provides a final two-week window for affected property holders to clear outstanding rent and newly imposed penalties.
Under the revised terms:
Property owners in the Central Area must pay a N5 million penalty in addition to the owed ground rent.
Owners in Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, and Guzape will pay N3 million.
Those in Wuse I, Garki I, and Garki II will be fined N2 million.
Additionally, individuals who purchased properties but failed to register ownership through the mandatory Minister’s Consent and Deed of Assignment must do so within the 14-day period.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike also granted a two-week grace period for all property owners to settle bills tied to their Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) and Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O), warning that failure to comply may lead to revocation of titles.
The Minister urged residents to stay current on property-related payments to avoid disruptions and to support the government’s infrastructure and development goals.
The FCTA said the sweeping action reflects its commitment to enforcing land regulations “without fear or favour,” while the President’s intervention offers defaulters one final opportunity to comply.
