President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a temporary halt to the revocation of nearly 5,000 properties in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) over unpaid Ground Rent spanning between 10 to 43 years.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) had earlier launched a sweeping enforcement operation on Monday, May 26, 2025, targeting 4,794 properties whose owners had defaulted on Ground Rent obligations for decades. Among the affected buildings were several high-profile assets, including the National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) headquarters, as well as properties owned by government agencies, corporate bodies, and private individuals.
However, in a late-night announcement, the Director of Land Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, confirmed that President Tinubu had stepped in to suspend the enforcement actions. The president’s intervention offers temporary relief to affected property owners, giving them a two-week window to settle outstanding debts and penalties.
“Following the directive of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, a 14-day grace period has been granted to defaulters to clear their outstanding Ground Rent liabilities, including penalties,” the statement read.
Specific penalties have been outlined based on property location:
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₦5 million penalty for properties in the Central Area, in addition to owed Ground Rent.
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₦3 million for those located in Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, and Guzape Districts.
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₦2 million for properties in Wuse I, Garki I, and Garki II.
Additionally, individuals who acquired properties through secondary purchases but have not regularized their ownership by obtaining the Minister’s Consent or registering their Deeds of Assignment must complete these processes within the 14-day window at the FCT Department of Land Administration.
The Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, also reinforced the directive by granting a similar two-week grace period for all property owners to settle their Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) and Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) charges. He warned that failure to comply may lead to revocation of property titles.
Wike further urged property owners to stay compliant with all statutory payments to avoid disruptions and to support the government's ongoing infrastructure development efforts within the capital territory.
The suspension signals a temporary reprieve, but it also underscores the federal government's determination to enforce fiscal responsibility and land use compliance in Abuja.
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