Abuja: The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, has approved the revocation of 4,794 land titles due to non-payment of ground rent for more than 10 years. Mr. Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the minister, announced the revocation at a news conference in Abuja on Monday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, a total of 8,375 property owners owe a cumulative sum of N6.97 billion as ground rent as of the end of 2024. These property owners, primarily located in the Central Area, Garki I and II, Wuse I and II, Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape, have not paid ground rent in the past 43 years. This action contravenes the terms and conditions of the Rights of Occupancy, in line with Section 28, Subsections 5(a) and (b) of the Land Use Act. Payment of ground rent in the FCT is based on existing legislation and is due on the first day of January each year, without demand.
Olayinka recalled that since 2023, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has made numerous publications in national newspapers and announcements on broadcast media, urging defaulters to settle all outstanding bills and ground rents. Despite these efforts, several allottees have failed to comply. Consequently, the titles of properties that have defaulted on payment for 10 years or more have been revoked with immediate effect.
A 21-day grace period has been granted to titleholders who have defaulted on payment for between one and 10 years. After this period, the affected titles will also be revoked. The FCTA Director of Land, Mr. Chijioke Nwankwoeze, explained that the defaulters primarily belong to the 10 oldest districts in Phase 1 of the Federal Capital City. Revocation notices will be sent to allottees from Cadastral Zone A01 to A09, affecting private companies, individuals, and government organizations.
Nwankwoeze added that the revocation process is being conducted in phases and categories, with Phase II to follow after the completion of Phase 1. Phase II includes districts such as Gudu, Durumi, Wuye, Katampe, Jabi, Mabushi, Utako, and Daki Biyu. With the revocation, properties built on the lands will become FCTA properties, and the FCT minister will decide their future use. Once a title is revoked, the property reverts to the FCTA, effectively transferring ownership of the 4,794 properties to the agency.