Tinubu Halts Forceful Takeover of 4,794 Abuja Properties Over Unpaid Ground Rent: Defaulters Given Final 14-Day Grace Period

In a major development affecting thousands of property owners in Nigeria’s capital, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stepped in to halt the forceful takeover of 4,794 plots of land in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) that were recently revoked due to years of unpaid Ground Rent. This comes after the FCT Administration began an aggressive enforcement campaign to reclaim land from defaulters — a move that saw even high-profile institutions affected.

This intervention from the presidency has given defaulting property owners a two-week grace period to settle their outstanding Ground Rent and avoid losing their properties permanently.

What Led to the Revocation of Nearly 5,000 FCT Properties?

On Monday, May 26, 2025, the Director of Land Administration in the FCT, Mr. Chijioke Nwankwoeze, issued a statement that shook property owners across Abuja. He revealed that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) had revoked ownership of 4,794 properties across the FCT due to non-payment of Ground Rent spanning between 10 and 43 years.

“Today, May 26, 2025, we commenced enforcement on the 4,794 properties revoked for non-payment of Ground Rent, from 10 to 43 years. Properties owned by government institutions, corporate organisations and individuals were affected. This demonstrates the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s commitment to carrying out its functions without fear or favour,” the statement read.

The revocation affected a broad spectrum of landowners — from private individuals to top government institutions and large corporate bodies. The enforcement campaign also led to the temporary closure of several major premises, including the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) building, Total fuel stations, and even the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretariat.

This crackdown was meant to send a strong message that no one is above the law when it comes to land administration in the FCT.

Tinubu’s Intervention: A Lifeline for Property Owners

Following public outcry and growing tension among affected landowners, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu intervened to stop the immediate repossession of the lands. In a bid to balance law enforcement with compassion, he has directed that property owners be given a final 14-day window to pay what they owe, including penalties.

“However, the President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has intervened. Therefore, by Mr. President’s intervention, holders of the affected properties now have 14 days (TWO WEEKS) to settle the outstanding Ground Rents, with associated penalties,” the FCT statement added.

This reprieve is not just for show. It provides a critical opportunity for thousands of defaulters to retain their properties — but only if they act immediately.

Penalties for Non-Payment of Ground Rent by Location

The FCTA has imposed strict financial penalties on all defaulters, depending on the location of their properties. Here’s a breakdown:

• Central Area: Defaulters must pay a penalty of ₦5 million in addition to the Ground Rent owed.

• Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, Guzape Districts: Defaulters in these high-end areas will pay ₦3 million as penalty plus the arrears.

• Wuse I, Garki I, Garki II: Property owners in these zones must pay a ₦2 million penalty in addition to their unpaid rent.

These charges reflect the prime value of land in different areas and are intended to push owners to settle their debts promptly or risk irreversible revocation.

What About People Who Bought Properties But Didn’t Register?

Many Abuja residents buy property from secondary owners but fail to follow due process by registering the Deed of Assignment and obtaining the Minister’s Consent — a legal requirement under Nigerian land laws. The FCT has now made it clear that such individuals also have 14 days to comply.

“All those who purchased properties from other people, but are yet to register their interests by obtaining the mandatory Minister’s Consent and registering their Deeds of Assignment now have 14 days (TWO WEEKS) to do so at the FCT Department of Land Administration,” the statement warned.

Failure to act within the time frame could lead to legal complications or total loss of ownership rights, especially if the original titleholder is already on the revocation list.

FCT Minister Wike Issues Additional Grace Period

In a related move, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, also announced a two-week grace period for all landowners in the FCT to settle their Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) and Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills.

“Furthermore, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, has granted a 14 days (TWO WEEKS) grace period to all property holders in the FCT to pay up their Right of Occupancy (R-of-O)/Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills, or risk revocation of those titles.”

The FCT Minister emphasized that all property owners must pay their property-related bills on time to avoid future issues.

“Going forward, the Minister has advised property owners in the FCT to ensure that they pay all necessary bills and charges on their properties as at and when due, so as to enable the government to continue to carry out necessary developmental projects for the benefit of the people.”

FCTA's Aggressive Enforcement: The Beginning of a New Era?

The temporary shutdown of major business premises earlier on May 26 showed that the FCTA means business. Targets included not just individuals but also big-name institutions, proving that the era of impunity may be coming to an end.

While the revocation of nearly 5,000 properties may seem extreme, it also highlights the urgency for land reform and better compliance mechanisms in the Federal Capital Territory.

What Does This Mean for You as a Property Owner in Abuja?

This event should be a wake-up call for every property owner, investor, and real estate developer in Abuja. Whether you own a residential plot, a commercial space, or a government-allocated land, you must ensure that:

• All your Ground Rent payments are up to date

• You have a valid Certificate of Occupancy or Right of Occupancy

• If you purchased land from someone else, you’ve properly registered the Deed of Assignment and obtained the Minister’s Consent

The FCT Administration has shown that they will no longer tolerate default. President Tinubu’s intervention has only bought two weeks of grace. If you're affected, now is the time to act swiftly.

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Let us know in the comments: Do you think this penalty system is fair? Should landowners with 10+ years of unpaid rent be allowed to keep their properties? Share your thoughts!