President Bola Tinubu has halted the takeover of 4,794 revoked lands in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) over non-payment of ground rent for 25 years.
The President subsequently granted a 14-day grace period for the owners of the affected properties to settle their outstanding obligations and regularise their documents.
The announcement was made public on Monday evening through a statement by Lere Olayinka, media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Earlier in the day, the FCT Administration commenced enforcement actions against 4,794 properties over non-payment of ground rents for over 25 years.
The affected properties span a wide range of ownership, including individuals, government agencies, and corporate entities.
Chijioke Nwankwoeze, Director of Land Administration, explained that the enforcement was part of efforts to ensure responsible land management within the FCT.
However, following Tinubu’s intervention, the FCTA has now given defaulting property owners until mid-June to settle outstanding debts and retain their land titles.
Under the new directive, defaulters must not only pay accumulated ground rents but also incur penalties ranging between ₦2 million and ₦5 million, depending on the location of the property.
In addition, individuals who have acquired land but failed to complete the legal transfer process—by not registering their deeds or obtaining the Minister’s Consent—must regularize their documents within the two-week window.
Wike has reiterated the administration’s commitment to enforcing compliance, urging all property owners to clear their outstanding occupancy charges promptly.
