FCTA to Take Over 4,794 Abandoned Properties from Monday Over N7bn Ground Rent Debt

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In a major move to reclaim government assets and enforce land use regulations, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will, beginning Monday, May 26, 2025, commence the physical takeover of 4,794 properties across prime districts in Abuja. These properties were recently revoked over long-term non-payment of ground rent, some dating back as far as 43 years.

At a press briefing held Friday, May 23, 2025, top FCTA officials—including the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Mr. Lere Olayinka; Director of Land Administration, Mr. Chijioke Nwankwoeze; and Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima—announced that the affected properties span high-value areas such as Central Area, Garki I & II, Wuse I & II, Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape.

Mr. Olayinka emphasised that, “Ownership of the revoked 4,794 properties has already reverted to the FCTA. Starting Monday, the government will begin to assert its legal rights over the properties in question—without exception.”

He added that the exercise will be carried out strictly in accordance with the Land Use Act and other extant laws, regardless of the identities of the affected titleholders.

Mukhtar Galadima, the Director of Development Control, confirmed that access to the properties will be sealed off as the FCTA evaluates the next course of action. He dismissed claims that ongoing court cases may hinder the process, stating that no legal judgement has invalidated the revocations.

Backing this up, Director of Lands, Mr. Nwankwoeze, clarified that the government is also tracking compliance by titleholders who were earlier given a 21-day grace period to clear outstanding Ground Rent for defaults between one and 10 years. “Once the compilation of records is complete, the government will act accordingly,” he said.

Recall that on March 18, 2025, the FCTA announced the revocation of 4,794 land titles out of a staggering 8,375 defaulters, collectively owing over N6.97 billion in unpaid Ground Rent. The debt ranged from one year to as long as 43 years, directly violating Section 28(5a & b) of the Land Use Act.

“The payment of Ground Rent is not optional,” Mr. Nwankwoeze reiterated. “It’s a legal obligation due on the first of January each year and forms a critical part of the terms and conditions under the Right of Occupancy.”

As the FCTA moves to recover massive revenue losses and free up land for fresh allocation or development, this enforcement drive signals a new era of accountability for property ownership in Abuja.