The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced that beginning Monday, May 26, 2025, it will officially take possession of properties affected by the revocation of 4,794 land titles due to non-payment of Ground Rent spanning between 10 and 43 years.
This was disclosed during a press briefing in Abuja by Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. He was joined by Chijioke Nwankwoeze, Director of Land Administration, and Mukhtar Galadima, Director of the Department of Development Control.
In March 2025, the FCTA, under the directive of Mr. Wike, revoked 4,794 land titles for prolonged non-payment of ground rent obligations. A detailed report by PREMIUM TIMES source later revealed that among the affected entities are the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
Other high-profile defaulters include:
• CONOIL Plc
• Borno State Government
• Nigerian Television Authority (NTA)
• Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)
• National Universities Commission (NUC)
• MRS Investment Company Limited
• Kaduna State Government
• Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA)
• News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
• Federal Ministry of Environment
• Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company
• University of Calabar
• Nigerian Postal Service
• Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN)
Mr. Olayinka emphasized that the FCTA would begin taking over these properties located across high-value districts like Central Area, Garki I and II, Wuse I and II, Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape, without prejudice to ownership.
“Ownership of the revoked 4,794 properties… has already reverted to the FCTA. As from Monday, the government will begin to exercise its rights of ownership. This will be done strictly in line with existing laws and regulations,” he stated.
Speaking further, Mr. Galadima explained that from Monday, the affected buildings will be sealed, with access restricted. Decisions on the final fate of each property will be made afterward by the administration.
Regarding legal disputes, Mr. Nwankwoeze clarified that there are no existing court injunctions against the FCTA’s decision, thus paving the way for enforcement.
He also noted that the FCTA is reviewing the compliance status of other property owners who defaulted for between one and ten years, even after being given a 21-day grace period. Enforcement actions for this category will follow after the compilation of records.
“These 4,794 properties are part of a total of 8,375 land titles in default, with a cumulative Ground Rent debt of N6,967,980,119. This is a direct violation of the terms of the Right of Occupancy, as provided under Section 28, Subsections 5(a) and (b) of the Land Use Act,” Nwankwoeze explained.
He reiterated that annual payment of Ground Rent is a legal obligation due on January 1st of each year, as stated in the terms of land allocation in the FCT.
Background
Since assuming office on August 21, 2023, Mr. Wike—who, despite being a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), serves in the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government—has issued repeated warnings to property owners over non-payment of Ground Rent.
The former Governor of Rivers State had earlier stated his commitment to reforms that prioritize the collective interest of residents over individual or elite concerns.
“When we make the right decision, some people will be happy, and some will not. The rich will kick against some of our decisions, but anything that will help our people must be done,” Mr. Wike said at a previous event.
With the FCTA moving to assert control over the 4,794 revoked properties, attention now shifts to how the administration will manage and repurpose these assets in the months ahead.
