Beginning Monday, May 26, 2025, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will commence physical possession of 4,794 properties whose titles were revoked due to non-payment of ground rent spanning from 10 to 43 years.
This was announced during a press briefing on Friday by key officials of the FCTA, including the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media to the FCT Minister, Lere Olayinka; Director of Land Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze; and Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima.
“Ownership of these 4,794 properties in Central Area, Garki I & II, Wuse I & II, Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape has reverted to the FCTA,” Olayinka said. “From Monday, the Administration will begin to exercise its rights of possession without regard to previous ownership. This will be carried out in line with existing laws and regulations.”
Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, confirmed that enforcement would begin immediately. “Access to these properties will be restricted and they will be sealed from Monday. The FCTA will determine the future of the properties in due course.”
Addressing questions about legal challenges to the revocation, Nwankwoeze clarified, “There is currently no court ruling that restrains the FCTA. Therefore, we are legally empowered to proceed with the recovery.”
He also revealed that the Administration is tracking compliance among another group of titleholders who were granted a 21-day grace period to settle their debts. “We are analyzing the data on compliance and will take appropriate action against defaulters who fail to pay within the stipulated time.”
According to the officials, the revoked properties were part of 8,375 land titles that were defaulting on ground rent payments ranging from one to 43 years, amounting to a total debt of N6.97 billion. The areas involved are among the oldest districts in Phase 1 of the Federal Capital City.
“Ground rent is not optional,” Nwankwoeze emphasized. “It is a statutory obligation tied to the Right of Occupancy and becomes due every January 1, whether or not a demand notice is issued.”
The revocation was officially announced on March 18, 2025, with the properties in default primarily concentrated in ten major districts: Central Area, Garki I & II, Wuse I & II, Asokoro, Maitama (zones A05 & A06), and Guzape.
“From Monday, government agencies will begin physical enforcement. This is a necessary step to ensure compliance with the Land Use Act and restore fiscal responsibility in the administration of land within the FCT,” Olayinka concluded.
