Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has revoked some 4,794 land titles due to non-payment of ground rent for more than 10 years.
The decision affects property owners in key districts, such as Central Area, Garki I and II, Wuse I and II, Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape, where a total of 8,375 property owners have failed to pay ground rent for the past 43 years.
Lere Olayinka, the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social media, made the announcement at a press briefing in Abuja, alongside Chijioke Nwankwoeze, the Federal Capital Territory Authority (FCTA) Director of Lands.
They said despite multiple public notices in national newspapers and broadcast media since 2023, many allottees neglected to settle their outstanding bills.
Ground rent payment is a legal obligation under the terms of the Right of Occupancy, as stipulated in the Land Use Act. It is due annually on January 1 without the need for formal demand.
The FCTA has compiled a list of defaulters in the 10 oldest districts of Phase 1 of the Federal Capital City (FCC), including Central Area, Garki, Wuse, Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape.
As of 2024, the total outstanding ground rent owed by 8,375 property owners amounts to N6.97 billion. Among these, 4,794 property owners have not paid for over a decade, leading to the immediate revocation of their land titles.
The FCTA has granted a 21-day grace period to property owners who are in default for between one and ten years. Failure to pay within this period will result in the revocation of their titles as well.
(Radio Nigeria/vitalnewsngr.com)
