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By Oscar Okhifo, Abuja
Reprieve has come for embattled property owners in Abuja whose assets were either sealed or on the verge of being revoked by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), led by Minister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has intervened to halt the sweeping revocation of 4,794 properties in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) over long-standing ground rent defaults, some spanning between 10 and 43 years.
The President has granted a 14-day grace period for defaulters to settle their outstanding payments to avoid permanent loss of ownership of the properties in question.
The affected properties belong to a mix of government institutions, corporate organizations, and private individuals.
The FCTA had earlier moved to revoke these properties in what the Director of Lands, Mr. Chijioke Nwankwoeze, described as a demonstration of “the Administration’s resolve to execute its constitutional mandate without fear or favor.”
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, Nwankwoeze stated:
“Following Mr. President’s intervention, holders of the affected properties now have 14 days—that is, two weeks—to settle all outstanding ground rents along with the applicable penalties.”
Penalty charges have been pegged according to property location:
Central Area: N5 million plus ground rent arrears
Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse 2, Guzape: N3 million plus arrears
Wuse 1, Garki 1, Garki 2: N2 million plus arrears
In addition, individuals who acquired properties but have not regularized ownership by obtaining the mandatory Minister’s Consent and registering their Deeds of Assignment have been given a 41-day deadline to complete the process at the Department of Land Administration.
Meanwhile, the FCT Minister has also approved a 14-day grace period for all property holders across the territory to clear outstanding Rights of Occupancy bills or risk revocation of their land titles.
One is not in doubt that the Presidential intervention will be seen by those concern, as an 11th hour saving grace
“The Minister has advised property owners in the FCT to ensure timely payment of all dues and charges on their properties, to enable the government carry out critical developmental projects for the benefit of the people,” Nwankwoeze added.
This move, according to FCTA authorities, is part of broader efforts to sanitize land administration, improve transparency, and boost revenue for urban development in the capital city.