President Bola Tinubu has approved a 14-day window for property owners in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) who are yet to pay their ground rent, offering them a last chance to settle outstanding payments and avoid permanent loss of property rights.
This decision follows the recent move by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to enforce actions on 4,794 properties due to years of unpaid ground rent. Some of the affected properties have not made payments for as long as four decades.
Chijioke Nwankwoeze, the Director of Land at the FCTA, made the announcement during a media briefing in Abuja. He explained that the enforcement exercise began on May 26, 2025, targeting individuals, corporate bodies, and even government agencies that failed to pay ground rent over a period ranging from 10 to 43 years.
“Today, May 26, 2025, we commenced enforcement on the 4,794 properties revoked for non-payment of Ground Rent, from 10 to 43 years. Properties owned by government institutions, corporate organisations and individuals were affected. This demonstrates the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s commitment to carrying out its functions without fear or favour.”
Nwankwoeze noted that, following President Tinubu’s intervention, defaulters now have two weeks to make the necessary payments. However, this comes with penalties depending on the area of the property.
Owners of properties located in the Central Area will be required to pay a N5 million penalty along with the owed rent. Those in Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, and Guzape must pay N3 million, while those in Wuse I, Garki I, and Garki II will need to pay N2 million.
He also spoke on the issue of unregistered property transactions. People who bought properties but failed to officially register their ownership have also been given two weeks to do so by acquiring the Minister’s Consent and submitting the Deeds of Assignment.
“All those who purchased properties from other people, but are yet to register their interests by obtaining the mandatory Minister’s Consent and registering their Deeds of Assignment now have 14 days (two weeks) to do so at the FCT Department of Land Administration.”
Meanwhile, the Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, has also given a two-week deadline to property owners who have not paid their Rights of Occupancy bills. He warned that failure to pay within this period could lead to the cancellation of their titles.
“Furthermore, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, has granted a 14 days (two weeks) grace period to all property holders in the FCT to pay up their Right of Occupancy (R-of-O)/Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills, or risk revocation of those titles.”
