Abuja ground rent: Tinubu intervenes, grants 14-day grace to defaulters

President Bola Tinubu has given defaulters of ground rent in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, a 14-day grace period to pay outstanding ground rent and associated penalties.

The Director of Land Administration, FCT, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, made this known via a statement on Monday, May 26, 2025.

Nwankwoeze stated that Tinubu’s intervention followed the commencement of the FCTA’s enforcement on the 4,794 properties revoked for non-payment of ground rent, from 10 to 43 years.

“Therefore, by Mr. President’s intervention, holders of the affected properties now have 14 days to settle the outstanding Ground Rents, with associated penalties,” he said.

Nwankwoeze said for properties in the Central Area of Abuja, the sum of N5 million will be paid by the defaulters as penalty, in addition to the ground rent owed.

Nwankwoeze stated that the defaulters in Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, and Guzape Districts will pay N3 million as penalty, in addition to the ground rent owed.

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He added: “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 to do so at the FCT Department of Land Administration.”

Nwankwoeze disclosed that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has granted a 14-day 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.

He noted that Wike has advised property owners in the FCT to ensure that they pay all necessary bills and charges on their properties, to enable the government to continue to carry out necessary developmental projects for the benefit of the people.

The Star