The Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, has revoked 4,794 land titles over non-payment of ground rent, affecting major institutions, oil firms and government agencies.

Some of the affected title holders have defaulted for more than 40 years.

Among the organizations impacted are the Central Bank of Nigeria,  Independent National Electoral Commission, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation,  and Peoples Democratic Party.

Also affected  are CONOIL Plc, Nigerian Television Authority,  Niger Delta Development Commission, National Universities Commission, and multiple state governments.

The revocation affects properties in Abuja’s prime locations, including Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse, Garki, and Guzape. These areas house some of the most valuable real estate in the nation’s capital.

Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications, and Chijioke Nwankwoeze, Director of Lands, while announcing the decision in Abuja, stated that the government had repeatedly urged defaulters to settle their outstanding rent, but compliance remained low.

Specifically, 375 property owners owe a combined N6.96 billion in ground rent. The affected properties have failed to meet payment obligations, violating the conditions of their occupancy rights.

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The FCTA explained that the decision aligns with the Land Use Act, which permits revocation when property owners fail to fulfill financial obligations for extended periods. The government insists that enforcement of land laws is necessary to maintain order in the capital.

Efforts to recover outstanding payments began last year, with multiple public notices published in newspapers and broadcast media. Despite these warnings, thousands of allottees failed to act.

The minister’s office disclosed that properties with rent defaults of 10 years and above have been revoked with immediate effect. Those who owe between one and ten years have been granted a 21-day grace period to settle their debts.

Failure to pay within this window could result in additional revocations. The FCTA has reiterated its commitment to enforcing land regulations without exceptions, regardless of the status of the defaulters.

Residents and stakeholders in Abuja’s real estate sector are closely monitoring the situation, as the government moves to reclaim and potentially reallocate the revoked properties.

Reported by Premium Times