The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will, from Monday, May 26, 2025, begin repossessing nearly 5,000 high-value properties in Abuja over unpaid Ground Rent liabilities dating as far back as 43 years — a decisive action expected to jolt the capital’s property sector.
The properties — located in Abuja’s most sought-after areas such as Maitama, Asokoro, Guzape, Wuse I & II, Garki I & II, and the Central Business District — were officially revoked in March 2025 due to non-compliance with Ground Rent obligations totaling nearly N7 billion.
Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, senior FCTA officials, including Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications to the FCT Minister; Chijioke Nwankwoeze, Director of Land Administration; and Mukhtar Galadima, Director of Development Control, confirmed that enforcement operations will commence with physical takeover of the affected properties.
“Beginning Monday, we will seal and restrict access to all revoked properties. Ownership has reverted to the FCTA, and we will enforce this under the provisions of the Land Use Act,” the officials stated.
Galadima clarified that while some former allottees have approached the courts, no injunction currently restrains the FCTA from exercising its legal rights. Nwankwoeze noted that another category of defaulters — those owing between one and ten years of Ground Rent — had been granted a 21-day grace period, which has now expired.
The revocation was triggered after the FCTA uncovered that 8,375 property owners owed N6.97 billion in Ground Rent, in violation of their Right of Occupancy under Section 28(5) of the Land Use Act. Officials emphasized that Ground Rent is a statutory obligation, payable annually on January 1st, regardless of demand or reminder.
The sweeping action marks the first phase of enforcement targeting Abuja’s Phase 1 districts — areas with the highest commercial and residential value — and is seen as part of a broader push by the FCTA to improve land administration, recover revenue, and discourage speculative landholding.
Officials warned that more revocations would follow if property owners continue to default.
“This is a clear message: no property is exempt from compliance. The FCTA will not tolerate long-term defaults or misuse of land titles meant for development,” Olayinka added.
The move underscores the FCTA’s resolve to enforce urban discipline and increase Internally Generated Revenue, with stakeholders already bracing for its impact on Abuja’s high-end property market.
