President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stepped in to grant a 14-day reprieve to owners of 4,794 properties in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) whose titles were recently revoked over longstanding ground rent debts ranging from 10 to 43 years.
The enforcement, which began on May 26, 2025, affected properties owned by government agencies, companies, and individuals, underlining what the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) described as its “commitment to carrying out its functions without fear or favour.”
However, in a significant policy reversal, “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.”
The penalties vary by location. “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,” the statement read.
“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.”
Meanwhile, “Defaulters in Wuse I, Garki I and Garki II will pay N2 million as penalty in addition to the Ground Rent owed.”
The FCT also addressed property buyers who have not formalised 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.”
Additionally, the Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, has given another 14-day window to all property holders to settle outstanding bills linked to their Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) and Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O).
“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 at and when due, so as to enable the government to continue to carry out necessary developmental projects for the benefit of the people,” the statement concluded.
