The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is set to commence the repossession of 4,794 properties across Abuja on Monday, May 26, 2025, following the revocation of land titles due to prolonged non-payment of ground rent. This decisive action aims to enforce compliance with land use regulations and recover outstanding revenues amounting to approximately ₦6.97 billion.
A press release by the Rabi Musa Umar, Assistant Director, Press – Office of the Hon. Minister said
The revocation of these land titles is grounded in the provisions of Section 28(5)(a) and (b) of the Land Use Act, which empowers the government to reclaim land from holders who fail to adhere to the terms of their occupancy rights. In this case, the affected property owners have defaulted on ground rent payments for periods ranging from 10 to 43 years, despite multiple reminders and public notices issued since 2023.
The properties in question are located in some of Abuja’s most prominent districts, including the Central Area, Garki I and II, Wuse I and II, Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape. These areas are part of the ten oldest districts in Phase 1 of the Federal Capital City. The FCTA has emphasized that the repossession will proceed without bias, affecting both private individuals and organizations.
Starting Monday, the Department of Development Control will begin sealing off the affected properties and restricting access to them. The FCTA has stated that it will determine the future use of these properties in due course. Property owners who have defaulted on ground rent payments for less than ten years have been granted a 21-day grace period to settle their dues, failing which their titles will also be revoked.
Among the entities affected by the revocation is the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) located in Zone 5. The property, which has accumulated 28 years of unpaid ground rent totaling ₦7.6 million, is registered under Senator Samaila Mamman Kurfi, who purchased it from Wadata Enterprises Nigeria Limited. The FCTA has clarified that the revocation is not politically motivated, as several other organizations, including the Nigerian Ports Authority, Central Bank of Nigeria, INEC, National Universities Commission (NUC), NNPC, Conoil, Borno State Government, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), and the Federal Ministry of Environment, are also affected.
The FCTA has indicated that affected property owners have the option to appeal to the Minister for reconsideration of their revoked titles. Each appeal will be assessed on its merits, and the Minister may impose conditions for reinstatement if deemed appropriate. However, the FCTA has urged property owners to avoid resorting to blackmail or misinformation, emphasizing that compliance with land use regulations is essential for the orderly development of the city.
The FCTA’s enforcement of ground rent payments underscores its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that property owners meet their financial obligations. The Administration has reiterated that ground rent is a legal requirement, due annually on January 1st, and must be paid without demand. Failure to comply not only contravenes the terms of the Right of Occupancy but also hampers the government’s ability to provide essential services and infrastructure.
The FCTA’s action serves as a stern reminder to all property owners in the Federal Capital Territory to fulfill their obligations promptly. The Administration remains open to dialogue and resolution but insists on strict adherence to the laws governing land use and occupancy. Property owners are encouraged to settle any outstanding ground rent payments and regularize their land titles to avoid future sanctions.
