21/11/2025
FCTA to Enforce Ground Rent and Land Use Fees from November 26
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), led by Minister Nyesom Wike, announced it will begin enforcement actions from November 26 against defaulters of Ground Rent, Land Use Change/Conversion fees, and outstanding Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) and Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) payments.
In a statement on Thursday, Minister Wike emphasized that the crackdown will also target property buyers who have failed to register their interests through the required Minister’s Consent or complete their Deeds of Assignment.
He reminded the public that, following President Bola Tinubu’s intervention, a 14-day grace period to settle outstanding ground rent expired over five months ago on June 9.
Previously, notices published in national newspapers and online warned defaulters about revised land-use clauses and gave 30 days to pay violation fees of N5 million and other charges related to land use change or conversion.
A final 14-day grace period was granted for properties in Asokoro, Maitama, Garki, and Wuse districts, expiring on November 24.
Enforcement will start on November 26, targeting all defaulters, including those who purchased properties without completing necessary registration and consent procedures.
This move comes amid rising t+nsions over land administration in the FCT. Civil society groups have criticized Minister Wike’s administration for allegedly suspicious revocations of land allocations, especially in prime green areas of Abuja.
Recently, t+nsions escalated following a confrontation between Wike and Lieutenant A. M. Yerima, a serving naval officer, over a disputed site in Gaduwa District.
Reports indicated that soldiers blocked Wike’s access to the land, leading to a heated exchange. According to Wike’s aide, the plot was originally allocated in 2007 to Santos Estate Limited for park and recreation but was later sold to private individuals, including former Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo.
The FCTA’s enforcement signals a strict approach to land management amid ongoing controversies.
