Abuja property crackdown: 4,794 Assets at risk as Tinubu orders rent recovery

By Philip Yatai

President Bola Tinubu has approved a 14-day grace period for owners of defaulting properties in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to settle outstanding ground rents and penalties, following a sweeping enforcement exercise by the FCT Administration.

The Director of Land at the FCTA, Mr Chijoke Nwankwoeze, disclosed this on Monday during a press briefing in Abuja.

He explained that Tinubu’s directive came in response to the enforcement of revocation orders on 4,794 properties owing the FCTA over N6 billion in unpaid ground rent—some dating back as far as 43 years.

As part of the enforcement drive, several high-profile properties were sealed, including the National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Access Bank, and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), all in Wuse Zone 5.

Other affected properties include the Chinese Cultural Centre, Ibro Hotel, Total Energy Petrol Station, Mamuda Group Warehouse, and the headquarters of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

Nwankwoeze said the enforcement exercise targeted properties owned by individuals, corporations, and government agencies alike, reaffirming the FCTA’s resolve to act impartially and in accordance with the law.

He added that under the new directive, property holders in the Central Area must pay an additional N5 million penalty, while those in Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, and Guzape are required to pay N3 million. Defaulters in Wuse I, Garki I, and Garki II will pay N2 million in penalties, all in addition to the outstanding ground rent.

Furthermore, individuals who have acquired properties but have yet to formalise their ownership through the mandatory Minister’s Consent and Deed of Assignment registration must also comply within 14 days, or risk revocation.

In a related development, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has also announced a 14-day window for all property holders to clear their Right of Occupancy or Certificate of Occupancy bills, warning that failure to comply could lead to forfeiture.

“The minister urges all property owners in the FCT to honour their obligations promptly. Timely payment of charges is essential for sustaining development initiatives that benefit all residents,” Nwankwoeze stated.