Key Points
- Nyesom Wike revokes 4,794 land titles for non-payment of ground rent.
- Over 8,000 property owners owe N6.9 billion in unpaid ground rent.
- A 21-day grace period is given for owners who owe for less than 10 years.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has approved the revocation of 4,794 land titles due to the non-payment of ground rent for over 40 years.
This decision comes after multiple warnings and announcements urging property owners to settle their outstanding payments.
Despite these efforts, many property owners in key areas of the FCT have failed to comply, leading to the revocation.
FCT landowners default on payments
The affected properties are primarily located in the Central Area, Garki I and II, Wuse I and II, Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape districts.
These areas have seen a total of 8,375 property owners who have not paid ground rent for the past 43 years.
As of the end of 2024, the total ground rent owed amounts to a staggering N6,967,980,119. This substantial sum highlights the scale of the default and the need for decisive action.
The revocation affects property owners who have been in default for 10 years or more. These land titles are being immediately revoked, marking a firm stance by the FCT administration to enforce compliance with land regulations.
The move is in line with the provisions of the Land Use Act, particularly Section 28, Subsections 5(a) and (b), which stipulates that ground rent must be paid annually without demand.
Immediate revocation and grace period for defaulters
In addition to the revocation of titles for those in default for more than 10 years, the FCTA has extended a 21-day grace period for property owners who owe ground rent for between one and ten years.
During this time, they have the opportunity to settle their arrears. After the grace period, any remaining titles in default will be revoked as well.
This action follows repeated public announcements, including those made in national newspapers and through broadcast media, since 2023. Despite these reminders, many allottees failed to make the necessary payments, prompting the FCTA to take further measures.
