FCTA to Begin Enforcement on Ground Rent, Land Use Defaulters from Nov 26

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) says it will, from 26 November, begin a fresh round of enforcement actions against property owners who have failed to settle outstanding ground rent, land-use conversion fees, and unpaid Right of Occupancy and Certificate of Occupancy charges.

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike announced the move in a statement on Thursday, warning that the crackdown will also target individuals who purchased properties without securing the mandatory Minister’s Consent or completing their Deeds of Assignment.

Wike recalled that President Bola Tinubu had earlier intervened in the matter, leading to a 14-day grace period for defaulters to clear their liabilities. “The 14-day grace expired on June 9, over five months ago,” he said.

The statement added that earlier public notices circulated in national newspapers and online platforms had warned property owners about revised land-use clauses. 

“The notices gave defaulters 30 days to pay violation fees of N5 million and other applicable charges for land use change or conversion,” Wike said.

He said a final 14-day grace period was extended to property owners in Asokoro, Maitama, Garki and Wuse, which will lapse on Monday, 24 November.

According to the minister, enforcement teams will begin operations on Wednesday, 26 November, “targeting all defaulters, including those who purchased properties without completing the required registration and consent procedures.”

The announcement comes as the FCT grapples with growing controversy over land administration. 

Civil society groups have accused the minister of presiding over “suspicious revocation of land allocations,” particularly in high-value green areas across Abuja.

Tensions escalated recently following a confrontation between Wike and Lieutenant AM Yerima, a serving naval officer, over a disputed site in the Gaduwa District.

RoundReports had earlier reported that soldiers allegedly barred the minister from accessing the land, prompting a heated exchange at the scene.

According to Wike’s aide, the plot was originally allocated in 2007 to Santos Estate Limited “for park and recreation,” before it was later sold to private individuals, including former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo.

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