Tinubu Grants 14-Day Grace Period for FCT Ground Rent Defaulters

FCTA had commenced sealing properties with ground rent debts spanning 10 to 43 years
Nwakwoeze emphasized the importance of registering property transfers to ensure proper documentation and ownership.
Wike issued a reminder to individuals who have not yet settled their Rights of Occupancy bills

President Bola Tinubu has intervened by offering a 14-day grace period for affected property holders to settle their outstanding obligations, in response to the ongoing enforcement action against ground rent defaulters in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) had commenced sealing properties with ground rent debts spanning 10 to 43 years, impacting 4,794 properties, including notable establishments such as the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) building, Access Bank, and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) office.

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The Director of Land, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, announced the development during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday evening. However, defaulters must pay penalty fees of N2 million or N3 million, depending on the location.

“Today, May 26, 2025, we commenced enforcement on the 4,794 properties revoked for non-payment of Ground Rent, from 10 to 43 years. Properties owned by government institutions, corporate organisations and individuals were affected. This demonstrates the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s commitment to carrying out its functions without fear or favour.

“The President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has intervened. Therefore, by Mr. President’s intervention, holders of the affected properties now have 14 days (two weeks) to settle the outstanding Ground Rents, with associated penalties.”

Tinubu Grants 14-Day Grace Period for FCT Ground Rent Defaulters

“For properties in the Central Area, the sum of N5 million will be paid by the defaulters as penalty, in addition to the Ground Rent owed. Those in Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, and Guzape Districts will pay the sum of N3 million as penalty, in addition to the Ground Rent owed. Defaulters in Wuse I, Garki I and Garki II will pay N2 million as penalty in addition to the Ground Rent owed,” he stated.

Nwakwoeze emphasized the importance of registering property transfers to ensure proper documentation and ownership. He encouraged property buyers to obtain the necessary Minister’s Consent and register their Deeds of Assignment within the next two weeks to validate the change in ownership.

“All those who purchased properties from other people, but are yet to register their interests by obtaining the mandatory Minister’s Consent and registering their Deeds of Assignment now have 14 days (two weeks) to do so at the FCT Department of Land Administration.”

Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, issued a reminder to individuals who have not yet settled their Rights of Occupancy bills to do so within the next two weeks. Failure to meet this deadline may result in the revocation of property titles.

“Furthermore, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, has granted a 14 days (two weeks) grace period to all property holders in the FCT to pay up their Right of Occupancy (R-of-O)/Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills, or risk revocation of those titles..”

The Director also warned that, “Going forward, the Minister has advised property owners in the FCT to ensure that they pay all necessary bills and charges on their properties as and when due, so as to enable the government to continue to carry out necessary developmental projects for the benefit of the people.”