The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) today announced a presidential reprieve for 4,794 property owners facing revocation over unpaid ground rents spanning 10 to 43 years.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration had earlier today commenced enforcement action on properties with unpaid ground rents spanning 10 to 43 years, affecting government institutions, corporate organizations and private individuals alike in what officials described as a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to enforcing land regulations without fear or favour.
Under the presidential intervention, affected property owners now have until June 9, 2025 to pay their debts with additional penalties that vary by location: properties in the prestigious Central Area will pay N5 million penalties, those in Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II and Guzape districts face N3 million penalties, while defaulters in Wuse I, Garki I and Garki II areas will pay N2 million penalties – all in addition to the original ground rent owed.
Concurrently, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has announced a parallel 14-day grace period for all property owners in the territory to regularize their documents, specifically targeting those who purchased properties but failed to obtain the mandatory Minister’s Consent and register their Deeds of Assignment at the FCT Department of Land Administration.
The minister also issued a final warning to holders of Right of Occupancy and Certificate of Occupancy titles to settle their bills within the same period or risk revocation.
Chijioke Nwankwoeze, Director of FCT Land Administration, emphasised that while the grace period provides temporary relief, compliance remains mandatory to avoid eventual forfeiture.
The administration has deployed additional staff to handle the anticipated surge in payments and document processing during the two-week window. Wike urged all property owners to fulfill their obligations promptly, noting that such payments enable the government to execute critical infrastructure projects across the capital territory.
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