…Calls for Legal, Fair Approach
Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the National Assembly, has expressed strong concerns over the increasing number of property seizures and sealing exercises being carried out by government agencies across the territory.
In a statement released on Monday, Senator Kingibe criticized the actions as often arbitrary, abrupt, and lacking due legal process, noting that while regulatory enforcement is necessary, it must be carried out within the framework of the law, with fairness and sensitivity to the economic challenges facing FCT residents.
“No Nigerian’s property can be lawfully seized, revoked, or sealed solely on account of failure to pay ground rent,” she said, emphasizing that the legal penalty for ground rent default is a fine or surcharge — not property takeover without proper legal procedures.
Senator Kingibe clarified that ground rent, collected by state governments under the*Lands (Title Vesting, etc.) Act of 1975, must not be used as a tool for unjust expropriation. She stressed that while government has the constitutional right to revoke land for overriding public interest, it must follow strict legal protocols as outlined in the Land Use Act and Urban and Regional Planning Act, including proper notification and compensation.
The senator expressed concern that current enforcement practices are worsening economic hardship among residents and businesses already struggling with inflation, job losses, and insecurity.
“These actions undermine livelihoods, erode public trust in institutions, and risk destabilizing the fragile balance of social and economic stability within the FCT,” she warned.
Kingibe assured residents that she is actively engaging with relevant authorities and pursuing legislative measures to ensure compliance with the rule of law and protect residents from unjust treatment.
“As the elected Senator of the Federal Capital Territory, I cannot, and will not, stand idly by while residents are subjected to enforcement practices that contravene established laws and compound their suffering,” she stated.
She urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding while assuring them that their grievances are being addressed with urgency.
