FCTA to Repossess 4,794 Properties in Abuja Starting May 26 Over Decades of Ground Rent Default
In a major move to enforce compliance with land regulations, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced that it will begin reclaiming nearly 4,800 properties in Abuja starting Monday, May 26, 2025. These properties, many located in Abuja’s most prestigious districts, are being repossessed due to long-term non-payment of ground rent, with some defaulters failing to pay for up to 43 years.
This sweeping action follows years of leniency and failed obligations by landowners. The FCTA, through a joint press briefing held on Friday, May 23, 2025, confirmed that 4,794 property titles have been officially revoked, and the administration will now take possession of the affected properties.
Why Is the FCTA Reclaiming These Properties?
The FCTA’s decision is grounded in the Land Use Act, particularly Section 28(5)(a) and (b), which allows for the revocation of property titles when the conditions attached to them—such as payment of ground rent—are violated. According to the Act, ground rent is an annual fee payable by property owners to retain the Right of Occupancy.
FCTA officials explained that the ground rent is due on the first day of January every year, and payment is required without formal demand from the government.
“Payment of ground rent on landed properties in the FCT is founded on extant legislation,” stated Chijioke Nwankwoeze, Director of Land Administration. “It is due for payment on the first day of January each year, without demand.”
Which Areas in Abuja Are Affected?
The affected properties are located in some of Abuja’s prime and most expensive districts, including:
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Central Area
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Garki I and II
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Wuse I and II
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Asokoro
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Maitama
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Guzape
These areas form the core of Phase 1 of the Federal Capital City, covering Cadastral Zones A00 to A09. Many of the land titles in these districts were issued several decades ago, and according to officials, a total of 8,375 land titles were identified as being in default, with 4,794 of them having their titles officially revoked as of March 18, 2025.
“These 4,794 properties were among the 8,375 land titles on which ground rent was not paid from one year to 43 years,” Nwankwoeze said. “As at then, a total of ₦6.97 billion was being owed as ground rent.”
What Happens Starting May 26?
Beginning Monday, May 26, the FCTA will physically reclaim the properties by sealing them and restricting access. This action will be taken regardless of whether the properties are currently occupied, developed, or under litigation—unless there is a clear judicial order preventing enforcement.
“As from Monday, next week, the government will begin to exercise its rights of ownership on the affected landed properties,” stated the FCTA in a joint briefing. “This will be done without consideration as to ownership of the affected properties. It will be purely in line with extant laws and regulations guiding the process.”
Mukhtar Galadima, Director of the Department of Development Control, added that once properties are sealed, further directives will follow regarding their reallocation, redevelopment, or disposal by the government.
What About Property Owners Taking Legal Action?
Reports had emerged that some affected landowners might have taken the FCTA to court in an attempt to block the enforcement. However, according to Nwankwoeze, no court order currently exists that restrains the FCTA from executing its legal mandate.
“There are no judicial restrictions or rulings barring the FCTA from proceeding with enforcement actions,” he clarified.
This statement indicates that any legal battles currently underway do not legally prevent the FCTA from acting on its rights under the Land Use Act.
Additional Properties Still Under Review
While the May 26 action focuses on the 4,794 revoked titles, the FCTA is also reviewing the status of other properties whose owners were recently given a 21-day grace period to settle outstanding rent arrears. These arrears range from one year to 10 years.
Nwankwoeze revealed that the administration is analyzing compliance records and will make further announcements once the review is complete.
“The government will act accordingly as soon as the records are fully compiled and analyzed,” he added.
This suggests that more revocations could follow if other defaulters fail to comply with payment deadlines.
Legal and Administrative Backing for the Action
The FCTA has reiterated that the revocation and enforcement process is fully backed by Nigerian laws and will be carried out by the appropriate government agencies, including the Department of Development Control and the Land Administration Department.
“This enforcement will be carried out by relevant agencies of government in accordance with the law,” officials assured.
By proceeding with this legal action, the FCTA aims to restore discipline in Abuja’s land administration system and encourage compliance from all title holders.
What Is Ground Rent and Why Is It Important?
Ground rent is an annual lease payment made by property owners for the continued use of land allocated by the government. It is a key part of the conditions attached to the Right of Occupancy under Nigeria’s Land Use Act of 1978.
Failure to pay ground rent is seen as a violation of the lease agreement, and under the law, the government is entitled to revoke such rights. The law provides that the land remains the property of the state, and landowners are merely occupants with conditional rights.
In Abuja, where land is highly valuable and demand is intense, the FCTA uses ground rent not only to raise revenue but also to ensure responsible land management.
Implications for Current and Future Landowners in Abuja
This development serves as a serious warning to all current and prospective landowners in Abuja. It underscores the importance of adhering strictly to the conditions of land ownership, especially the payment of ground rent.
Landowners are advised to:
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Verify the status of their titles
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Ensure all outstanding ground rent is paid
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Respond promptly to government notices
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Avoid assuming that lack of government follow-up means exemption
The era of silent default is clearly over. The FCTA is now demonstrating a firm resolve to sanitize the system and enforce compliance in line with the law.
Conclusion
The reclamation of 4,794 properties in Abuja by the FCTA is one of the largest enforcement actions in the history of the Federal Capital Territory. With over ₦6.97 billion in unpaid ground rent, the administration has made it clear that defaulters will no longer be tolerated.
As of Monday, May 26, 2025, thousands of property owners will begin to lose access to their land, and the FCTA will exercise full rights of ownership over the revoked titles. This move, grounded in existing laws and backed by administrative will, is expected to reshape Abuja’s property landscape and serve as a wake-up call to all landowners across Nigeria.
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