Following the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the FCT Administration which commenced the sealing and take over of defaulting persons and organisations who have not paid ground rent for up to 10 to 45 years on their properties have been given 14 more days to pay up.
Briefing the press late Monday, Director of Lands, Chijioke Nwankwoeze said both individuals and government properties were equally affected, however, they extended a period of moratorium for two weeks following Mr. Presidents intervention.
He said: “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.
“However, the President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has intervened. Therefore, by Mr. President’s intervention, holders of the affected properties now have 14 days (two weeks) to settle the outstanding ground rents, with associated penalties.”
Nwankwoeze went ahead to spell out the penalties for defaulters in accordance with their locations.
“For properties in the Central Area, the sum of N5 million will be paid by the defaulters as penalty, in addition to the ground rent owed.
“Those in Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, and Guzape Districts will pay the sum of N3 million as penalty, in addition to the ground rent owed.
“Defaulters in Wuse I, Garki I and Garki II will pay N2 million as penalty in addition to the ground rent owed.”
He also gave 14 days grace for property owners and those who purchased from a third party to go ahead and obtain the mandatory consent of the minister.
“Also, 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.”
On Rights of Occupancy, R of O, the Director of Lands said the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike has equally granted a period of two weeks for all property owners in the FCT to pay up.
“Furthermore, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, 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.”
He also re emphasised the FCT Minister had advised all property owners, going forward to “ensure that they pay all necessary bills and charges on their properties as at and when due, so as to enable the government to continue to carry out necessary developmental projects for the benefit of the people.”
Recall that earlier in the day, FCT Administration officials, led my the Director of Development Control, Muhktar Galadima and the FCT Director of Lands Nwankwoeze stormed the streets sealing ground rent defaulter, prominent among which was Wadata Plaza, housing the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the head quarters of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, and some banks.