Federal Capital Territory Administration to Reclaim 4,794 Properties
Starting next Monday, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will begin reclaiming 4,794 properties whose ownership was revoked for failing to pay Ground Rents for periods ranging from 10 to 43 years. The properties will be taken over regardless of current ownership.
FCTA Officials Announce Plans at a News Conference
Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, along with the Director of Land Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, and the Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, shared the development during a press briefing in Abuja.
PDP’s Wadata Plaza Among Revoked Properties
Earlier in March, the FCTA revoked the title of the Wadata Plaza, the national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Wuse Zone 5, for non-payment of Ground Rents. While officials clarified that the plaza does not belong to the PDP but to a private owner, Samaila Mamman Kofi, they revealed the owner owes N2.84 million in rent arrears dating back to 1998.
Other Key Properties on the List
The FCTA disclosed that properties belonging to several major institutions, including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), are among the affected titles. Properties in prime locations like Garki, Wuse, Asokoro, and Maitama are also included.
Affected Properties to Be Sealed Off
Mukhtar Galadima stated that starting Monday, the FCTA will seal off these properties and restrict access. Decisions on their future use will be made later.
No Court Rulings to Stop the Revocations
Chijioke Nwankwoeze dismissed claims that some property owners had gone to court, noting no judicial decision prevents the FCTA from proceeding with its plans.
Grace Period for Some Property Owners
Defaulting property owners who owe between one and ten years were given 21 days to pay. The FCTA is reviewing compliance records and will take action based on the findings.
Outstanding Ground Rent Debt in Prime Districts
In March, the FCTA identified 8,375 properties across ten major districts, including Garki, Asokoro, Maitama, and Wuse, that owed N6.97 billion in Ground Rent. Of these, 4,794 titles were revoked due to prolonged non-payment.
Legal Basis for Revocation
The revocations are in line with the Land Use Act, which stipulates that failure to meet terms and conditions of land grants can lead to forfeiture. The FCTA emphasized the need for property owners to adhere to payment obligations.
