In a recent development, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) began sealing off several properties on May 26, 2025, in the nation’s capital as part of enforcement actions for unpaid ground rents. The properties, which were revoked due to outstanding payments spanning from 10 to 43 years, are now facing penalties. However, following intervention from President Bola Tinubu, property owners were granted a 14-day grace period to resolve their outstanding dues and associated penalties.
The FCTA’s action affected 4,794 properties, including both government institutions and private holdings. Among the notable properties impacted was the Wadata Plaza, which houses the national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as well as key commercial and government buildings, such as those occupied by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
In a statement by Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, it was confirmed that President Tinubu’s intervention allowed for the grace period. The defaulters in various districts of Abuja are required to pay both their outstanding ground rent and penalties as follows:
- Central Area: A fine of N5 million, in addition to the ground rent owed.
- Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, and Guzape: N3 million penalty in addition to ground rent.
- Wuse I, Garki I, and Garki II: N2 million penalty, along with the ground rent owed.
Furthermore, property owners who purchased properties but failed to register their interests by obtaining the mandatory Minister’s Consent and registering their Deeds of Assignment are now required to do so within the next two weeks at the FCT Department of Land Administration.
Additionally, the statement highlighted that all property holders in the FCT must also clear their Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) or Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills within this same grace period, or risk having their titles revoked.
Moving forward, Minister Nyesom Wike has advised property owners in the FCT to remain diligent in meeting their financial obligations on their properties. This, according to Wike, will enable the government to continue essential developmental projects that benefit the public.
The enforcement action began on Monday, affecting a broad range of properties, both institutional and commercial, throughout the Federal Capital Territory.
One of the more controversial moves involved the sealing of the PDP’s national headquarters. The party, which condemned the action, claimed that the sealing of its headquarters was an irresponsible act. Umar Damagum, the acting chairman of the PDP, promised that the party would challenge the action in court.
Key Insights:
- FCTA takes enforcement actions against 4,794 properties in Abuja.
- 14-day grace period granted for ground rent payment, with penalties.
- Political ramifications as PDP condemns the sealing of its headquarters.
- President Tinubu’s intervention aimed at resolving ground rent issues.
As the grace period nears its end, the FCTA will likely intensify efforts to collect outstanding payments and bring defaulters into compliance. The matter has sparked significant debate, with political parties and property owners watching closely as the deadline approaches.