By 14-Day Grace to FCT Ground Rent Defaulters
Tinubu Intervenes Amid Enforcement Drive
Summary
- President Tinubu has given a 14-day grace period to defaulters owing ground rent in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
- The move is part of a broader enforcement drive to recover debts and boost revenue in the FCT.
- The FCT Administration had earlier announced plans to take legal action and possibly revoke titles of persistent defaulters.
- The grace period offers defaulters a final chance to settle their obligations before penalties are enforce.
Abuja, Nigeria — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has granted a 14-day grace period to property owners in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) affected by the recent revocation of land titles over non-payment of ground rent.
The intervention comes just hours after the FCT Administration (FCTA) began enforcing the revocation of 4,794 properties across Abuja, some of which had reportedly defaulted for as long as 43 years.
The mass revocation affects properties in premium districts such as Asokoro, Maitama, Wuse I & II, Garki I & II, and Guzape. Among the affected are the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretariat, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Access Bank, Total petrol stations, and several state lodges, with total arrears exceeding ₦6.9 billion.
Affected Buildings: Ibro Hotel in Zone 5
Affected Buildings: China Cultural Centre in Zone 5
Affected Buildings: PDP Headquarters.
Affected Buildings: FIRS Office in Zone 5
In a statement released on Monday, the Director of Land Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, confirmed the President’s directive, which offers a two-week window for defaulters to settle their debts and associated penalties or risk permanent loss of their properties.
“This demonstrates the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s commitment to carrying out its functions without fear or favour,” Nwankwoeze stated. “However, the President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has intervened.”
Penalties Vary by District
As part of the new arrangement, defaulters must pay penalties in addition to outstanding ground rent, based on the location of their properties:
- Central Area: ₦5 million penalty
- Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, and Guzape: ₦3 million penalty
- Wuse I, Garki I and Garki II: ₦2 million penalty
The statement also addressed individuals who purchased properties through secondary transactions without obtaining the mandatory Minister’s Consent or registering their Deeds of Assignment. Such owners now have 14 days to regularise their documents with the FCT Department of Land Administration.
Deadline for R-of-O and C-of-O Payments
In addition to ground rent defaulters, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has granted a 14-day grace period for all property owners to pay their Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) or Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills. Failure to do so, the Minister warned, will result in revocation.
The ongoing enforcement drive has already led to the sealing of several high-profile properties, including the PDP National Secretariat, FIRS buildings, and branches of commercial banks. Authorities say the exercise is aimed at recovering over ₦30 billion in revenue owed to the FCTA.
The administration emphasized that the enforcement will continue across the territory and urged all affected parties to take advantage of the window provided by the President.
The grace period is expected to expire on June 9, 2025.
