Key Points

• FCTA will begin sealing 4,794 properties in Abuja on Monday.

• Defaulters include major institutions like CBN and NNPC.

• Land title revocations cover unpaid rent spanning up to 43 years.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will begin reclaiming 4,794 properties in key districts of Abuja starting Monday, following a mass land title revocation ordered by Minister Nyesom Wike.

These titles were revoked in March due to unpaid ground rent dating as far back as 43 years.

Lere Olayinka, Wike’s media aide, announced the enforcement at a press briefing, flanked by Land Administration Director Chijioke Nwankwoeze and Development Control Director Mukhtar Galadima.

The affected locations include high-value areas such as Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse, Garki, and Guzape. Prominent institutions—including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), PDP, NNPC, and INEC—are among the defaulters.

Olayinka stated that repossession will proceed “without consideration of ownership,” as the FCTA begins exercising its statutory rights over the properties.

Government affirms legality of Abuja land title revocations

Officials clarified that the mass revocation complied with the Land Use Act, Section 28(5a & 5b), which permits title seizure for defaulting on obligations tied to the Right of Occupancy.

“Ownership of the revoked 4,794 properties has reverted to the FCTA,” said Nwankwoeze. “There is no existing court order restraining us from enforcing the revocations.”

He added that the administration will compile compliance records for other defaulters who owe between one and ten years of ground rent and acted within the grace period extended in March.

Galadima confirmed that the FCTA will restrict access to all revoked properties and determine their future use.

FCTA urges compliance to avoid further enforcement action

Minister Wike had earlier warned property owners that failure to pay ground rent would result in severe consequences.

The FCTA stated that 8,375 titles, including the 4,794 revoked ones, owe a combined ₦6.97 billion in ground rent.

Officials stressed the public interest in enforcing the law despite opposition from powerful interests.

“Some of our decisions may hurt the rich, but they must serve the public good,” Wike said previously.

The land title revocations serve as a warning, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to accountability in land management and urban development in the Federal Capital Territory.