…Grants 14-Day Grace Period to Defaulters
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stepped in to halt the ongoing enforcement actions against 4,794 properties in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) that were recently revoked due to non-payment of ground rent spanning 10 to 43 years.
The properties affected include those owned by government agencies, corporate organizations, and individuals. The enforcement exercise, which began today, May 26, was part of the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s (FCTA) renewed effort to enforce compliance with land use charges.
Following President Tinubu’s intervention, the FCTA has now given all affected property holders a 14-day grace period to pay their outstanding ground rents and associated penalties.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Land Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, the penalty charges based on location are as follows:
N5 million for properties in the Central Area
N3 million for properties in Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, and Guzape
N2 million for properties in Wuse I, Garki I, and Garki II
In addition, individuals who purchased properties but have yet to obtain the Minister’s Consent and register their Deeds of Assignment are also required to complete this process within the 14-day period.
Furthermore, FCT Minister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, has extended the same 14-day grace to all property owners in the FCT to settle their Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) or Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) charges. Failure to comply could result in revocation of land titles.
The Minister emphasized the importance of timely compliance with land-related obligations, noting that prompt payments will support the government’s ongoing development projects across the territory.