The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), led by Minister Nyesom Wike, will commence repossession of 4,794 properties across Abuja starting Monday, following decades-long defaults on ground rent payments.
This move was disclosed during a joint press briefing on Friday by Mr. Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media to the FCT Minister; Mr. Chijioke Nwankwoeze, Director of Land Administration; and Mr. Mukhtar Galadima, Director of Development Control.
According to the FCTA, the revocations were executed under the Land Use Act, specifically Section 28(5)(a) and (b), which permits the government to reclaim land due to violations of occupancy terms. The affected properties are situated in prime areas including the Central Business District, Garki I and II, Wuse I and II, Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape.
“Ownership of these 4,794 revoked properties has legally reverted to the FCTA. Beginning Monday, we will start exercising full rights of ownership, strictly in accordance with relevant laws and regulations,” the officials stated.
This development stems from a March 18, 2025, announcement by the FCTA identifying 4,794 properties—out of a broader list of 8,375—as long-term defaulters, some owing ground rent for up to 43 years. High-profile defaulters include the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), National Universities Commission (NUC), and M.R.S Investment Company Limited.
Other institutions affected include the Kaduna and Borno State Governments, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Federal Ministry of Environment, Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company, University of Calabar, Nigerian Postal Service, and the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).
Collectively, the defaulting entities owe the FCTA over ₦6.96 billion in unpaid ground rent.
A 21-day grace period had been previously granted to those with less than 10 years of arrears, offering them an opportunity to pay and retain their property rights. That grace period has now expired.
“Agencies are currently compiling compliance records. The revocation and repossession processes will proceed based on legal provisions,” Nwankwoeze said, stressing that ground rent obligations are clearly outlined in occupancy terms and are due annually on January 1, without need for reminder.
Addressing reports of litigation by some affected property owners, he clarified, “There is no legal injunction or ruling preventing the FCTA from executing its statutory responsibilities regarding these properties.”
Galadima, Director of Development Control, confirmed that the enforcement exercise will include sealing and restricting access to the properties beginning Monday. He added that the FCTA will determine future uses for the reclaimed lands in due course.
