The FCTA has begun enforcement against 1,095 Abuja property owners who failed to pay ground rent and other statutory charges, following ministerial approval
The Federal Capital Territory Administration has begun enforcement against more than 1,000 property owners in Abuja who failed to settle statutory land-related charges despite months of notices and warnings.
Also read: Edo Govt Faces Backlash After Presco Land Revocation U-turn
The crackdown follows approval by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, targeting properties across high-brow districts including Asokoro, Maitama, Garki and Wuse.
In a statement issued Friday, the Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, said the administration was left with no choice after repeated appeals published between May and November yielded little compliance.
According to the statement titled “Commencement of enforcement actions on defaulters of Ground Rent payments, Land Use Conversion Fee, C-of-O bills,” a total of 1,095 properties had been revoked due to non-payment of ground rent, Certificate of Occupancy bills, penalty fees, and land use conversion charges.
The statement noted that the affected owners had ignored a series of public notices calling for them to clear their outstanding liabilities, in violation of the Land Use Act and conditions attached to their Rights of Occupancy.
Olayinka quoted the minister as approving immediate action:
“The general public, particularly holders of property in the FCT, are hereby notified that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, His Excellency Nyesom Wike, has approved the commencement of enforcement actions on a total of 1,095 properties in the Federal Capital City for defaulting in various payments.”
He added that all grace periods had expired, including the final 14-day notice that ended on November 25, paving the way for enforcement on 835 properties owing ground rent and 260 properties defaulting on violation fees and land use conversion charges.
PUNCH Online reports that the FCTA has intensified efforts this year to recover outstanding statutory charges from property owners across Abuja.
Beginning in May 2025, the administration issued multiple notices warning title holders to clear accumulated debts that have contributed to revenue shortfalls needed for infrastructure development and city maintenance.
Wike has repeatedly insisted that the administration will no longer tolerate violations of land title conditions or disregard for statutory obligations.
Also read: Edo Govt Faces Backlash After Presco Land Revocation U-turn
Following the minister’s approval, sealing, repossession, and other statutory enforcement measures are expected to begin immediately across the affected properties.
