The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has approved the revocation of 4,794 land titles due to non-payment of Ground Rent spanning over four decades.
According to a release on Monday March 17, 2025, by the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, and the Director of Lands, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, a total of 8,375 property owners in districts such as Central Area, Garki I & II, Wuse I & II, Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape have defaulted on Ground Rent payments for the past 43 years.
Despite extensive public notices via national newspapers and broadcast media since 2023, compliance remained low, prompting this action.
It was emphasized that Ground Rent is a statutory obligation under the Right of Occupancy terms and is due annually on January 1, without demand, as mandated by law.
An outstanding sum of N6.97 billion is currently owed by these property owners.
Of the defaulters, 4,794 titles have not had Ground Rent paid for over 10 years, violating the conditions under Section 28(5)(a)(b) of the Land Use Act.
Consequently, these titles have now been revoked.
A 21-day grace period has been granted to those in default for between one and ten years, after which further revocations will be enforced.
