The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is set to begin reclaiming ownership of 4,794 properties in Abuja starting Monday, May 26, 2025, due to prolonged non-payment of ground rent—some dating back over four decades.
This was disclosed at a press briefing on Friday, where key FCTA officials, including the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media, Lere Olayinka; Director of Land Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze; and Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, addressed the media.
The administration explained that the revocation of land titles was executed in line with provisions of the Land Use Act, specifically Section 28, Subsections 5(a) and (b), which grant the government the authority to revoke land rights for defaulting on terms of occupancy.
The properties affected are spread across major districts of the capital city, including Maitama, Asokoro, Guzape, Garki I and II, Wuse I and II, and the Central Area. The FCTA announced that it would begin taking physical possession of the properties from next week.
“The revoked properties have reverted to the FCTA. Starting Monday, we will begin asserting ownership rights over them, strictly in line with existing laws. The identities of the previous owners will not affect the process,” the officials stated.
Earlier in March, the FCTA had issued a notice revealing that 4,794 out of 8,375 identified properties had failed to settle their ground rent obligations—some for as long as 43 years.
Among the affected buildings is the yet-to-be-completed national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party located in the Central Business District.
The administration also revealed that over N6.96 billion is owed in ground rent. A 21-day grace period had previously been granted to owners with debts of less than 10 years to settle payments, but the deadline has since passed.
Nwankwoeze emphasized that the collection of ground rent is a legal requirement and forms part of the conditions tied to land occupancy in the FCT.
He stressed that payments are expected annually on January 1, with no reminder necessary.
On whether any legal actions could halt the planned takeovers, Nwankwoeze clarified that there are currently no court rulings preventing the FCTA from enforcing the revocations.
Development Control Director, Mukhtar Galadima, added that enforcement would involve sealing off the listed properties and restricting access.
He said decisions on the future of the properties would be taken by the administration in due course.
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