President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, to suspend ongoing enforcement actions on 4,794 properties in Abuja previously marked for revocation due to accumulated default on payment of ground rent.
The president’s intervention provides a 14-day grace period for affected property owners to settle their debts and regularise their documentation.
This move comes after the FCTA, under the leadership of Minister Nyesom Wike, began sealing several high-profile properties. Some of the affected institutions include the People’s Democratic Party National Secretariat, the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Independent National Electoral Commission, and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.
Others are CONOIL PLC, MRS Investment Company Limited, the Borno State Government, the Nigerian Television Authority, and the Niger Delta Development Commission.
The National Universities Commission, the Kaduna State Government, the Nigerian Ports Authority, the News Agency of Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company, the University of Calabar, the Nigerian Postal Service, and the Power Holding Company of Nigeria are also among the listed defaulters.
The directive was confirmed through a statement by Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister. The statement outlined penalties applicable to defaulters, which vary based on property location.
Property owners in the Central Area must pay a ₦5 million pena lty in addition to their outstanding ground rent. Those in Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, and Guzape are required to pay ₦3 million, while those in Wuse I, Garki I, and Garki II will pay ₦2 million, all in addition to their unpaid rent.
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In addition, individuals who have purchased properties from others but failed to obtain the mandatory Minister’s Consent or register their Deeds of Assignment have also been given 14 days to complete this process through the FCT Department of Land Administration.
Furthermore, the FCTA has extended a similar two-week grace period to all Right of Occupancy and Certificate of Occupancy holders in the FCT, urging them to pay any outstanding bills or risk revocation of their land titles.
The Minister has emphasized that timely payment of statutory fees and compliance with land regulations are essential for the FCTA to carry out development projects that benefit the public.
The mass revocation of land titles earlier in March had drawn widespread criticism, with opposition groups accusing the administration of using it as a tool to intimidate political opponents.
Tinubu’s intervention appears aimed at easing tensions and giving property owners one final opportunity to comply.
Going forward, FCT residents are advised to ensure their land obligations are fulfilled to prevent disruption and loss of property.
Crediblenewsng.com
