Wike revokes 4,794 land titles in FCT over 40-Year ground rent debt

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has revoked 4,794 land titles due to non-payment of Ground Rent for over 40 years.

In key areas such as Central Area, Garki I and II, Wuse I and II, Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape, a total of 8,375 property owners have defaulted on Ground Rent payments for the past 43 years.

The decision was announced during a press briefing by the Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, and the FCT Administration (FCTA) Director of Lands, Chijioke Nwankwoeze.

According to Olayinka, several notices had been issued since 2023 through newspaper publications and broadcast announcements, urging defaulters to clear their outstanding payments. However, many allottees failed to comply.

“The payment of Ground Rent on properties in the FCT is a legal obligation, stipulated in the Right of Occupancy grant, and is due on the first day of January every year without demand,” he stated.

A list of defaulters was compiled from ten major districts in Phase 1 of the Federal Capital City (FCC):

Central Area (Cadastral Zone A00)

Garki I (Cadastral Zone A01)

Wuse I (Cadastral Zone A02)

Garki II (Cadastral Zone A03)

Asokoro (Cadastral Zone A04)

Maitama (Cadastral Zone A05 & A06)

Wuse II (Cadastral Zone A07 & A08)

Guzape (Cadastral Zone A09)

As of the end of 2024, the total outstanding Ground Rent debt stood at ₦6,967,980,119, owed by 8,375 property owners.

Out of these, 4,794 landowners have failed to pay Ground Rent for over 10 years, violating the Land Use Act (Section 28, Subsections 5a and 5b). Consequently, the titles of these properties have been revoked immediately.

However, the FCTA has granted a 21-day grace period for defaulting property owners who owe between one and ten years of Ground Rent.

If they fail to settle their debts within this period, their land titles will also be revoked.