March 18, (THEWILL) – The Federal Capital Territory Administration has revoked 4,794 land titles over the alleged non-payment of ground rent, reinforcing its stance on compliance with land use regulations.
Ground rent is an annual fee paid by landowners for the right to occupy and use their land. In November 2024, the FCTA published a list of alleged land title debtors in Abuja, warning of consequences for continued non-compliance.
Announcing the revocation on Monday, FCTA Director of Lands, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, and Special Assistant on Public Communication to the FCT Minister, Lere Olayinka, said 8,375 property owners in key districts, including Central Area, Garki, Wuse, Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape, had failed to pay ground rent for as long as 43 years.
Olayinka recalled that since 2023, the administration had made several public announcements and newspaper publications urging defaulters to clear their outstanding payments, but many failed to comply.
He emphasised that the payment of ground rent is a legal obligation outlined in the terms and conditions of land occupancy rights. The rent is due on January 1 each year, and failure to pay constitutes a breach of the agreement.
According to the FCTA, a list of defaulting land titles has been compiled from the ten oldest districts in Phase 1 of the Federal Capital City. These districts include Central Area, Garki I and II, Wuse I and II, Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape.
As of the end of 2024, a total of N6.9 billion in unpaid ground rent is owed by 8,375 property owners. Of this number, 4,794 land titles have been in default for over a decade. The FCTA stressed that this violates the conditions of occupancy rights as stipulated under the Land Use Act.
Consequently, all properties that have defaulted on ground rent payments for 10 years or more have been revoked with immediate effect. A grace period of 21 days has been granted to those in default for between one and ten years, after which their titles will also face revocation.
The FCTA’s latest action underscores its commitment to enforcing compliance and ensuring that landowners meet their financial obligations to the government.
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