The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will begin repossession of 4,794 properties across Abuja, including the land housing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national secretariat, starting Monday, May 26, 2025. The action follows years of non-payment of ground rent—ranging from 10 to 43 years in some cases.
This was announced on Friday during a joint press briefing by 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.
The officials emphasized that ownership of the revoked properties, located in prime districts such as Central Area, Garki I & II, Wuse I & II, Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape, has legally reverted to the FCTA.
“From Monday, we will begin to exercise full ownership rights over these lands,” they stated. “This enforcement will proceed irrespective of who owns the affected properties and in full compliance with relevant laws.”
The Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, explained that affected properties will be sealed and access restricted. Decisions on their future use will be made later.
Addressing concerns about possible court action, Nwankwoeze clarified that no legal ruling has been issued to halt the revocation process, so the FCTA remains fully empowered to enforce its mandate.
21-Day Grace for Others in Default
The FCTA also disclosed that it is compiling compliance records for another group of defaulters—those owing ground rent for between one and ten years. These title holders were earlier given a 21-day grace period to clear their debts or face revocation.
The March 18 revocation affected 4,794 properties out of 8,375 that were identified as being in default. Combined, the defaulters owe the FCTA a total of N6.97 billion in unpaid ground rent.
“This failure to pay ground rent is a direct violation of the terms and conditions under the Right of Occupancy, as stated in Section 28, Subsections 5(a) and (b) of the Land Use Act,” the officials noted.
Background on Revoked Properties
The revocations cover the 10 oldest districts in Phase 1 of the Federal Capital City, including:
- Central Area (Cadastral Zone A00)
- Garki I (A01) and II (A03)
- Wuse I (A02) and II (A07, A08)
- Asokoro (A04)
- Maitama (A05, A06)
- Guzape (A09)
The FCTA reaffirmed that payment of ground rent is a legal obligation, due annually on January 1st, and not subject to demand notices.
Authorities have warned that more enforcement actions may follow if compliance levels remain low.
