President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given a 14-day grace period to owners of properties in Abuja who failed to pay their ground rent.
This decision follows a recent move by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to take action against 4,794 properties whose owners have not paid their ground rent for 10 to 43 years.
The Director of Land, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, announced this at a press conference in Abuja on Monday. He explained that although enforcement has started, the President’s intervention means property owners now have two weeks to settle their debts — but they will still have to pay a fine.
“The President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has intervened. Therefore, by Mr. President’s order, holders of the affected properties now have 14 days to pay what they owe, along with the penalties,” Nwankwoeze said.
He added that the penalty amount depends on the area where the property is located.
“For properties in the Central Area, the fine is N5 million in addition to the ground rent owed. Those in Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, and Guzape must pay N3 million. For Wuse I, Garki I, and Garki II, defaulters will pay N2 million,” he said.
The FCTA said both individuals and organisations are affected by the action. Nwankwoeze also warned people who bought properties from others but have not properly registered them.
“All those who purchased properties but haven’t registered their ownership have 14 days to get the Minister’s Consent and register their Deeds of Assignment with the Department of Land Administration,” he said.
The Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, also warned that people who do not pay their Right of Occupancy or Certificate of Occupancy fees in the next two weeks may lose their land titles.
“Anyone who fails to pay these bills risks losing their property. There will be no extension after the 14 days,” Wike said.
The FCTA urged all property owners to always pay their bills on time to help the government carry out development projects in the city.
