President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stepped into the ongoing crackdown on property owners in Abuja who have failed to pay their ground rent — some for as long as 43 years.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) had earlier begun enforcing the revocation of 4,794 properties across Abuja, including those belonging to government institutions, corporate bodies, and individuals. The properties were listed for repossession over non-payment of ground rent dating back decades.
But in a decisive twist, President Tinubu ordered a two-week grace period for all affected property holders to pay up their dues — or face final revocation.
“This is not just a warning. It’s a final opportunity,” a senior FCTA official said, quoting directives from the presidency.
The new directive comes with stiff penalties. Property owners in the Central Area must pay N5 million in penalties in addition to the ground rent they owe. Those in Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, and Guzape will pay a N3 million penalty on top of their outstanding rent. For owners in Wuse I, Garki I, and Garki II, the penalty is N2 million plus what they owe.
That’s not all. People who bought properties from others but failed to register them officially have just 14 days to do so. They must obtain the Minister’s Consent and register their Deeds of Assignment with the FCT Department of Land Administration, or risk losing those properties.
FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, has also granted a two-week grace period to all other property holders in the capital city to pay off their outstanding Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) or Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills.
“Pay your bills or face revocation,” the Minister warned. “Development cannot continue if property owners don’t play their part.”
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