By Remi Johnson
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has said its recent revocation of property titles was due to unpaid ground rents, including a property linked to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Briefing Journalists after the FCT Executive meeting, Chaired by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, the Director of Land Administration FCTA, Mr. Chijioke Nwankwoeze, explained that the revocation exercise was targeted at titleholders who had failed to pay ground rent for ten years or more.
Mr Nwankwoeze who said the PDP land title was revoked because the party is owing N7.6 million ground rent from 2006 to 2025, also dismissed PDP’s claim that two of their properties were revoked.
The Director maintained that only the land title in the central area belonging to PDP was revoked, pointing out that the one in Wuse Zone 5 does not belong to the party.
According to the Director, these ground rents are essential for funding infrastructure projects within the territory, emphasizing that the affected properties are primarily located in the ten oldest districts in Phase One of Abuja, which are fully serviced with engineering infrastructure.
“The government has fulfilled its obligation by providing these facilities. However, when leaseholders fail to meet their financial obligations, it becomes difficult to manage the city effectively,”
Addressing allegations that the revocation of PDP property title was politically motivated, the Director clarified that the PDP property was among 4,794 titleholders affected, including government institutions, private organizations, and individuals.
“There are so many people that are affected, government institutions, private organizations, private individuals, The Nigerian Post Authority is there, the Central Bank of Nigeria is there, INEC is there, NUC is there, NNPC, Conoil.
“Borno State Government, NDDC, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Federal Minister of Environment, Nigerian Security Printing and Maintaining Company, and so many others. It’s not only PDP. So I don’t know where the insinuation about the revocation being targeted at PDP is coming from.
“But the truth is that the minister revoked 4,794 titles. PDP is just one of them. Just one, not two. The titles we are talking about that belong to PDP is only one, the one in central area. Where they are occupying as their national headquarters is not their property.
“That is the clarification that people need to know. The property belongs to one Samaila Maman, who bought from Wadata and got his papers registered”. Nwankwoeze explained.
He also listed other affected institutions, including the Nigerian Ports Authority, the Central Bank of Nigeria, INEC, the NNPC, Conoil, the Borno State Government, the NDDC, the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, and the Federal Ministry of Environment, among others.
Nwankwoeze however stated that affected property owners still have a 21-day window to settle their debts or write an appeal to the Minister of the FCT for reinstatement.
“The good news is that there is a window of 21 days for those who have not paid between one year and 10 years to do so.
The revocation didn’t affect everyone. It affected only people who have not paid as from 10 years and above.You also need to pay your right of occupancy bills and get your certificates.” He added.
The FCTA land Director further cautioned against political blackmail, urging defaulters to follow due process rather than attempting to pressure the administration.
The FCTA has also given an indication that it will soon extend its enforcement efforts to Phase Two and Three districts, urging property owners in areas such as Gudu, Utako, Mabushi, Jabi, Katampe, and Kado to ensure they meet their obligations to avoid similar actions.