FCT Ground Rent Defaulters: President Tinubu Intervenes, Gives 14-day Ultimatum

Tuesday May 27, 2025|

President Bola Tinubu, has granted a 14-day grace period for all affected property holders to pay their outstanding Ground Rent and associated penalties or face permanent revocation.

This intervention followed the commencement of enforcement on 4,794 properties in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) revoked for non-payment of Ground Rent, with some cases of default spanning from 10 to 43 years.

The crackdown affected properties owned by government institutions, corporate organizations, and private individuals, reflecting the FCT Administration’s commitment to impartial law enforcement.

Tinunu’s intervention signals the federal government’s willingness to provide a final opportunity for compliance while maintaining strict regulatory standards.

Specific penalties have been set by zone: property owners in the Central Area are required to pay a penalty of N5 million in addition to the Ground Rent owed. Those with properties in Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, and Guzape Districts must pay a penalty of N3 million plus the Ground Rent. For defaulters in Wuse I, Garki I, and Garki II, the penalty is N2 million in addition to the Ground Rent owed.

The FCT Administration has also targeted individuals who have acquired properties without registering their interests or obtaining the mandatory Minister’s Consent and registering their Deeds of Assignment. Such owners have been given a two-week window to regularize their documentation at the FCT.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, who announced a 14-day grace period for all property holders to settle their Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) and Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills, said failure to comply will result in the revocation of those titles.

Wike said the importance of timely payments, stating, “This administration is committed to the rule of law and the development of the FCT. We urge all property owners to pay their bills as and when due to enable government to continue its developmental projects for the benefit of all residents.”

He further advised property owners to ensure all necessary bills and charges are paid promptly to allow the government to maintain the capital’s standards and undertake essential projects.