In a decisive move to enforce compliance with land regulations, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has approved the revocation of 4,794 land titles over non-payment of Ground Rent for more than four decades.
The revocation, which affects property owners in some of Abuja’s most affluent districts—Central Area, Garki I & II, Wuse I & II, Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape—was announced during a press briefing on Monday by the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, alongside the Director of Lands at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Chijioke Nwankwoeze.
According to Olayinka, despite multiple warnings and public notices through national newspapers and broadcast media since 2023, compliance has remained poor.
“The FCTA made numerous publications calling on defaulters to pay outstanding bills and ground rents, but these yielded little response,” he said.
He emphasised that the payment of Ground Rent is a legal obligation clearly stated in the terms and conditions of land ownership under the Right of Occupancy.
“It is due for payment on the first day of January each year, without demand. This is in line with existing legislation,” Olayinka stressed.
A detailed breakdown given by Olayinka revealed that 8,375 property owners have defaulted on Ground Rent payments over the last 43 years, which accumulated an outstanding debt of N6.97bn as of the end of 2024.
Of the figure, 4,794 land titles have been in default for 10 years and above, thereby violating Section 28, Subsections 5(a) and (b) of the Land Use Act.
“The titles of properties in default for 10 years and above have been revoked forthwith,” Olayinka said.
However, a 21-day grace period has been extended to titleholders who owed Ground Rent for periods ranging from one to ten years, as failure to settle their debts within the stipulated period will result in the revocation of the affected titles.
The FCTA reiterated its commitment to enforcing legal obligations tied to land ownership, and ensuring that Abuja’s development is supported by lawful and financially responsible property ownership.
Wike Revokes 4,794 Land Titles Over Unpaid Ground Rent is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
Source: The Whistler
