Property owners in Abuja’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) who faced the risk of having their properties sealed due to unpaid ground rent have been granted a crucial reprieve. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has intervened to pause the enforcement actions and provide a 14-day grace period for defaulters to clear their outstanding payments and update their land ownership documents.
The president’s gesture saved the National Secretariat of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which owes several million in unpaid ground rent for over two decades.
The Wadata House building housing the secretariat had earlier been sealed off by a combined military force on the order of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Monday morning.
Enforcement began on May 26, 2025, targeting 4,794 properties with ground rent arrears ranging from 10 to 43 years. Apart from the PDP Secretariat, defaulting properties include residential homes, commercial buildings, and government-owned land, reflecting the widespread challenge of unpaid land charges within the FCT.
Chijioke Nwankwoeze, Director of Land Administration in the FCT, explained that the enforcement demonstrates the government’s commitment to upholding land laws and securing revenue essential for ongoing development projects.
Thanks to President Tinubu’s intervention, affected property owners now have until June 9, 2025, to settle all outstanding ground rent payments, including applicable penalties, to avoid the risk of losing their property titles.
Penalties vary based on location, with defaulters in the Central Area required to pay a ₦5 million penalty in addition to owed rent; those in Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, and Guzape face a ₦3 million penalty; while defaulters in Wuse I, Garki I, and Garki II are charged ₦2 million alongside their arrears.
Property buyers who have yet to obtain the mandatory Minister’s Consent or register their Deeds of Assignment must also complete these legal processes within the grace period to validate their ownership.
FCT Minister Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, has emphasised the importance of the timely payment of Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) and Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) fees. Failure to comply within the 14-day window may result in revocation of property titles.
Minister Wike stated that the grace period is an opportunity for property owners to bring their accounts up to date. He stressed that timely payments enable the government to continue delivering essential infrastructure and services throughout the FCT.
Owning property in Abuja carries responsibilities, including paying ground rent promptly and maintaining proper documentation. Ignoring these duties can lead to severe consequences, such as property seizure.
This 14-day window provides a vital opportunity to avoid penalties, secure land rights, and contribute to the continued development of the Federal Capital Territory. Property owners unsure of their status are urged to visit the FCT Department of Land Administration promptly to settle payments and regularise their documents.
