Wike revokes 4,794 land titles over non-payment of ground rent in FCT

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has approved revocation of 4,794 land titles, over non-payment of Ground Rent for more than 40 years. In Central Area, Garki I & II, Wuse I & II, Aso-koro, Maitama and Guzape, a total of 8,375 property owners have not paid Ground Rent in the last 43 years.

The Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, and the FCT Administration (FCTA) Director of Lands, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, while briefing reporters on the development said: “It should be noted that FCTA made numerous publications in national newspapers and announcements on broadcast media since 2023, calling on defaulters to pay up outstanding bills. All these yielded little responses, as several allottees failed to pay.

“It is important to state that payment of Ground Rent is founded on extant legislation. It is stipulated in the terms and conditions of the grant of Right of Occupancy, and it is due for payment on the first day of January, each year, without demand.

“As at end of 2024 till date, a total of N6,967,980,119 is owed as Ground Rent by 8,375 pro-perty owners. In other words, 8,375 property owners have not paid Ground Rent up to last year, while 4,794 land titles are in default of Ground Rent payment for 10 years and above in contravention of the terms of grant of the Rights of Occupancy, in line with provisions of Section 28, Subsections 5(a) and (b) of the Land Use Act.
“Consequently, the titles of the properties in default of payment of Ground Rent for 10 years and above have been revoked forthwith.”