Key Points
- Wike revoked 4,794 Abuja land titles over unpaid ground rent.
- Affected institutions include CBN, INEC, PDP, and NNPC.
- Defaulters owe N6.9 billion in ground rent, with a 21-day grace period.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has revoked 4,794 land titles in Abuja due to decades of unpaid ground rent.
Among the affected landholders are major institutions, including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
According to Wike’s aides, some landowners had not paid ground rent for over 40 years.
The revocation affects prominent government agencies, businesses, and state governments, including the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Major institutions lose land over unpaid fees
A source familiar with the matter revealed that many of the affected entities had outstanding payments exceeding 20 years.
Wike’s office announced the land revocations on Monday, stating that numerous defaulters failed to respond despite repeated notifications.
The revoked land titles span key areas of Abuja’s Phase 1 districts, including Garki I and II, Wuse I and II, Maitama, Asokoro, Guzape, and the Central Area. These locations are some of the most valuable real estate hubs in the Nigerian capital.
Government cracks down on defaulters
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has consistently urged property owners to settle outstanding fees.
Ministerial aides noted that the government published multiple notices in national newspapers and aired public announcements urging compliance since 2023.
FCTA Director of Lands Chijioke Nwankwoeze stated that Abuja landowners collectively owed N6.9 billion in ground rent.
Officials granted a 21-day grace period for titleholders with arrears between one and ten years to pay before facing permanent revocation.
This action signals Wike’s strong stance on enforcing land ownership regulations in Abuja, ensuring compliance with the Land Use Act.
