The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, has revoked 4,794 land titles due to non-payment of ground rent for more than 10 years.
The revocation was announced by the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media, Mr. Lere Olayinka, during a press conference in Abuja on Monday. Olayinka revealed that 8,375 property owners across prime districts of the FCT—including Central Area, Garki I and II, Wuse I and II, Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape—owed a total of N6.97 billion as ground rent as of the end of 2024.
According to Olayinka, some of these property owners had defaulted on payments for up to 43 years, violating the terms of their Rights of Occupancy under Section 28, Subsections 5(a) and (b) of the Land Use Act.
“The payment of ground rent on landed property in the FCT is based on existing legislation. It is a condition of the Right of Occupancy and must be paid annually on January 1st, without demand,” Olayinka stated.
He noted that since 2023, the FCT Administration (FCTA) had made several announcements and newspaper publications urging defaulters to settle their debts, but the response was minimal. Consequently, the government proceeded with the revocation.
A 21-day grace period has been granted to title holders who have defaulted for between one and 10 years, after which their properties will also be revoked.
FCTA Director of Land, Mr. Chijioke Nwankwoeze, explained that the affected property owners are primarily in the oldest districts of Phase 1 of the Federal Capital City. The revocation process will move to Phase II next, targeting districts such as Gudu, Durumi, Wuye, Katampe, Jabi, Mabushi, Utako, and Daki Biyu.
Nwankwoeze clarified that once a land title is revoked, any structures on the property automatically become the property of the FCTA, and the minister will determine their future use.
“With this revocation, all 4,794 properties have reverted to the FCTA,” he stated.
The move marks a significant step in the administration’s effort to enforce compliance with land regulations and boost revenue generation in the FCT.