The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revoked the land titles of 4,794 property owners in ten districts of Abuja for failing to pay ground rents for over ten years. The announcement was made by the Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, during a briefing at the FCT Administration’s headquarters in Abuja.
Olayinka revealed that over 8,375 property owners owe the FCT Administration more than six billion naira in unpaid ground rents. He also announced an extension of the grace period for over 3,500 landowners to settle their outstanding debts or face revocation of their titles.
The affected districts include the Central Business District, Garki 1 and 2, Wuse 1 and 2, Maitama, Asokoro, and Guzape. These areas are among the most prestigious and high-value locations in Abuja, making the revocation a significant development in the capital’s real estate sector.
The FCT Administration’s decision underscores its commitment to enforcing compliance with land use regulations and recovering outstanding revenues. Wike has emphasized the need for property owners to fulfill their financial obligations to the government, warning that failure to do so would result in strict penalties.
The extension of the grace period provides an opportunity for affected landowners to regularize their payments and avoid losing their properties. However, those who fail to comply within the stipulated timeframe will face revocation of their titles.
This move is part of broader efforts by the FCT Administration to improve revenue generation and ensure proper land management in Abuja. It also highlights the government’s determination to address long-standing issues of non-compliance with land use regulations.
