Abuja | May 22, 2025 — In what is shaping up to be one of the largest property crackdowns in Abuja’s history, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced it will commence physical takeover of 4,794 landed properties across the capital city starting Monday, May 26, 2025, over non-payment of ground rent—some unpaid for as long as 43 years.
The development was made public during a joint press briefing addressed by Mr. Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media to the FCT Minister; Mr. Chijioke Nwankwoeze, Director of Land Administration; and Mr. Mukhtar Galadima, Director of Development Control.
According to the officials, the revocation of these land titles was in line with Section 28(5) (a) and (b) of the Land Use Act, which grants government the legal authority to reclaim land over failure to comply with terms of occupancy.
“The ownership of the revoked 4,794 properties in districts such as Central Area, Garki I & II, Wuse I & II, Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape has officially reverted to the FCTA,” the officials declared.
“From Monday next week, we will begin to exercise our rights of ownership on the affected properties.”
This enforcement move follows a March 18, 2025 notice, when the FCTA listed 8,375 properties as being in default, among them the National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), still under construction in the Central Business District. Of that list, 4,794 properties were found to have failed to pay ground rent for 10 years or more — in some cases dating back to 1982 — and racked up a total debt of over ₦6.96 billion.
The FCTA had offered a 21-day grace period to owners who owed rent for fewer than 10 years to settle their dues, or risk revocation. That deadline has since elapsed.
“Relevant agencies are now compiling final compliance and non-compliance records,” said Mr. Nwankwoeze, Director of Land Administration.
“Let it be clear: payment of ground rent is not optional. It is embedded in the terms and conditions of Right of Occupancy and becomes payable every January 1st, by law — whether or not reminders are sent.”
Addressing legal threats from some of the affected property owners, Nwankwoeze clarified that no court ruling has restricted the FCTA from acting on the revoked titles.
On his part, Mr. Mukhtar Galadima, Director of Development Control, said the enforcement action will include sealing off the buildings and restricting access, with further steps to be determined later.
The default list was pulled from Phase 1 of Abuja city, particularly the oldest and most developed districts, including:
- Central Area District (Cadastral Zone A00)
- Garki I (Zone A01) & Garki II (Zone A03)
- Wuse I (Zone A02) & Wuse II (Zones A07 & A08)
- Asokoro (Zone A04)
- Maitama (Zones A05 & A06)
- Guzape (Zone A09)
As Abuja’s real estate stakeholders brace for impact, the Wike-led FCTA is standing firm on its vow to restore financial discipline in land administration and uphold the sanctity of land laws.
While critics argue the clampdown could cause short-term disruptions in the capital’s property market, FCTA insists the action is lawful, overdue, and necessary for urban order and development.
More updates are expected after the exercise kicks off next week.
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