By Remi Johnson
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) says all is now set take possession of 4,794 revoked properties in Abuja starting from Monday, May 26, 2025, over failure to pay groundrent.
Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, Mr Lere Olayinka made this known during a media parley in Abuja.
Mr Olayinka explained that the affected properties located in high-value districts including Central Area, Garki I and II, Wuse I and II, Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape.
Olayinka stated that the revocation affected properties with Ground Rent defaults of 10 years and above.
“These were part of a total of 8,375 land titles in default, collectively owing approximately N6.97 billion in rent as of March 2025.”
Director of Land Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze noted that ownership of the properties had legally reverted to the FCTA after the titles were revoked in March 2025 due to long-standing defaults in Ground Rent payment.
“The exercise will be carried out in accordance with the law, without consideration for the current occupancy or ownership claims,” Nwankwoeze emphasized. “This is based on Section 28, Subsections 5(a) and (b) of the Land Use Act.”
On his part, the Director, Department of Development Control, Muktar Galadima said enforcement will begin with sealing off the affected properties and restricting access.
“From Monday, recognizance visits, notice serving, and sealing will commence across the districts.Once a property is sealed, any unauthorized entry will be deemed trespassing.”
Galadima added that notices have been served for over two months, giving ample time for occupants to make alternative living arrangements.
Responding to concerns about legal challenges, the FCTA reiterated that no court has issued a judgment reversing the revocations.
“There is no court order stopping the process. If any such judgment arises, the FCTA will, of course, comply, being a law-abiding entity,” said Olayinka.
The authorities of FCTA reaffirmed that Ground Rent is a statutory obligation, payable annually on January 1st without demand, and forms part of the terms of the Right of Occupancy.