As FCTA Moves to Reclaim 4,794 Properties Over Unpaid Ground Rent —
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will, starting Monday, May 26, 2025, begin reclaiming 4,794 landed properties in Abuja due to prolonged non-payment of Ground Rent—with some defaulters owing for as long as 43 years.
This development was announced during a press briefing on Friday, May 23, by the Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and New Media, Mr. Lere Olayinka; Director of Land Administration, Mr. Chijioke Nwankwoeze; and the Director of the Department of Development Control, Tpl. Mukhtar Galadima.
According to the officials, the affected properties—located in some of Abuja’s most prominent districts, including Central Area, Garki I & II, Wuse I & II, Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape—have now legally reverted to the FCTA.
“From Monday, the Administration will begin asserting its ownership rights in line with existing laws,” said Mr. Olayinka. “This process will not consider past ownership. It is strictly a legal and regulatory matter.”
Tpl. Galadima stated that the Department of Development Control will begin sealing off and restricting access to these properties immediately. He emphasized that further decisions regarding their use or reallocation would be announced in due course.
On the question of legal challenges by some former property holders, Mr. Nwankwoeze clarified that there is currently no court ruling halting the process. “The FCTA remains within its legal rights,” he noted.
He further revealed that records are being reviewed to determine which property owners complied during a recently granted 21-day grace period—a final window for those owing between one and ten years of rent. Appropriate actions will follow this review.
The 4,794 properties represent part of a broader list of 8,375 defaulting land titles, with the total Ground Rent owed exceeding ₦6.9 billion. The FCTA had announced these revocations earlier in March 2025, citing consistent violations of Section 28(5a & 5b) of the Land Use Act, which empowers the government to revoke land titles in cases of default or non-compliance.
“Ground Rent is a legal obligation that must be paid annually, on January 1st,” Mr. Nwankwoeze stressed. “No reminders are required.”
As the FCTA moves to enforce its ownership rights, this development serves as a stern reminder to property holders to honor civic responsibilities, especially in a rapidly urbanizing capital like Abuja.
Stay connected to Etamagazine for further updates on urban governance, land policy, and the future of property development in Nigeria’s Federal Capital.
