President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has intervened in the ongoing enforcement actions by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) over unpaid ground rent by property owners.
On Monday, FCTA officials sealed off multiple properties across Abuja, including buildings reportedly owned by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The action sparked widespread public criticism and backlash.
In swift response to the public outcry, President Tinubu ordered a temporary suspension of the enforcement activities and granted property owners a 14-day grace period to resolve outstanding payments.
A statement confirming the intervention was issued by Chijioke Nwankwoeze, Director of Land Administration for the FCT.
It reads: “Today, May 26, 2025, we commenced enforcement on the 4,794 properties revoked for non-payment of Ground Rent, from 10 to 43 years.
“Properties owned by government institutions, corporate organisations and individuals were affected. This demonstrates the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s commitment to carrying out its functions without fear or favour.
“However, the President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has intervened. Therefore, by Mr. President’s intervention, holders of the affected properties now have 14 days (TWO WEEKS) to settle the outstanding Ground Rents, with associated penalties.
“For properties in the Central Area, the sum of N5 million will be paid by the defaulters as penalty, in addition to the Ground Rent owed.
“Those in Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, and Guzape Districts will pay the sum of N3 million as penalty, in addition to the Ground Rent owed.
“Defaulters in Wuse I, Garki I and Garki II will pay N2 million as penalty in addition to the Ground Rent owed.
“Also, all those who purchased properties from other people, but are yet to register their interests by obtaining the mandatory Minister’s Consent and registering their Deeds of Assignment now have 14 days (TWO WEEKS) to do so at the FCT Department of Land Administration.
“Furthermore, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, has granted a 14 days (TWO WEEKS) grace period to all property holders in the FCT to pay up their Right of Occupancy (R-of-O)/Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills, or risk revocation of those titles.
“Going forward, the Minister has advised property owners in the FCT to ensure that they pay all necessary bills and charges on their properties as at and when due, so as to enable the government to continue to carry out necessary developmental projects for the benefit of the people.”
The President’s intervention brings temporary relief to affected property owners and signals a measured approach to resolving the long-standing issue of defaulted ground rent payments in the capital.
