The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has revoked 4,794 land titles across Abuja’s prime districts due to over a decade of unpaid ground rent.
The affected properties are located in Asokoro, Maitama, Wuse, and Garki, some of the most sought-after areas in the Nigerian capital.
Billions in Unpaid Rent
At a news conference in Abuja on Monday, Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the minister, disclosed that 8,375 property owners collectively owed N6.97 billion in ground rent as of the end of 2024. Some defaulters had failed to make payments for as long as 43 years, violating Sections 28(5)(a) and (b) of the Land Use Act.
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Despite multiple public notices since 2023, many owners failed to comply, prompting the mass revocation. Ground rent, which is legally due on January 1 each year, is a crucial revenue source for the FCT Administration (FCTA).
Implementation in Phases
According to Chijioke Nwankwoeze, the FCTA Director of Lands, the revoked titles primarily belong to property owners in the oldest districts of Phase 1, including the Central Area, Garki I and II, Wuse I and II, Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape.
“The affected allottees, ranging from private companies to individuals and government institutions, will receive official revocation notices,” Nwankwoeze stated.
The FCTA will implement the revocation in phases, with Phase II targeting districts such as Gudu, Durumi, Wuye, Katampe, Jabi, Mabushi, Utako, and Daki Biyu.
Government Reclaims Property
Once a land title is revoked, ownership reverts to the FCTA, which will determine the future use of the properties.
“Effectively, all 4,794 properties have been reclaimed by the government,” Nwankwoeze said.
However, the FCTA has offered a 21-day grace period for defaulters who owe ground rent for between one and 10 years. If they fail to clear their debts within this timeframe, their land titles will also be revoked.
Revenue Generation Drive
The mass revocation aligns with Wike’s broader strategy to boost revenue and enforce compliance with land administration regulations in the FCT. With Abuja’s rapid development and increasing land values, the government is keen to ensure property owners fulfill their financial obligations.
Analysts suggest that this action could significantly impact the real estate sector, with potential legal battles as affected owners seek to reclaim their properties.
