FCTA To Take Over 4,794 Properties Revoked Over Ground Rent Default – Enforcement Begins Monday

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will commence the formal repossession of 4,794 properties across several high-profile districts in Abuja, following their revocation over prolonged non-payment of Ground Rent. The exercise is scheduled to begin on Monday, May 26, 2025.

This announcement was made during a press briefing held on Friday by senior FCTA officials, including the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, Lere Olayinka; Director of Land Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze; and Director of the Department of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima.

According to the FCTA, the affected properties are located in ten of the oldest districts in Phase 1 of the Federal Capital City, including the Central Area, Garki I & II, Wuse I & II, Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape. These properties were among the 8,375 land titles identified in March as being in default of Ground Rent payments for periods ranging from one to 43 years.

“Ownership of the revoked properties has reverted to the FCTA,” said Olayinka. “Beginning Monday, relevant government agencies will move in to seal and take control of these properties in line with extant laws and regulations—regardless of the identity of current occupants.”

Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, stated that access to the properties would be restricted as the FCTA assumes full control. He added that decisions on the future of the properties will be made subsequently.

Addressing concerns over possible legal challenges, Nwankwoeze confirmed that no court injunction currently restricts the FCTA’s actions. He emphasized the administration’s right to enforce compliance in line with the conditions tied to the Right of Occupancy.

He also noted that the FCTA is finalizing records on a separate group of defaulters—title holders who owe Ground Rent for one to ten years and were granted a 21-day grace period to settle their debts. Actions will be taken accordingly based on their compliance status.

The FCTA reiterated that Ground Rent payment is a statutory obligation, anchored in the terms and conditions of land title grants. It is due on January 1st of each year, without the need for a formal demand.

This move marks one of the largest property repossession exercises in Abuja’s history and signals the administration’s resolve to enforce compliance with land use and fiscal obligations within the capital territory.