The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced plans to take possession of 4,794 properties in Abuja starting Monday, May 26, 2025, following the revocation of their land titles in March due to non-payment of ground rent, with defaults ranging from 10 to 43 years. This unprecedented move, affecting high-profile entities including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) headquarters, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), underscores the FCTA’s push to enforce land administration laws. Here’s a detailed look at the situation, its implications, and the broader context.
A Crackdown on Long-Standing Defaults
During a press briefing on Friday, May 23, 2025, in Abuja, FCTA officials, including Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Director of Land Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, and Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, outlined the enforcement action. The 4,794 properties, located in prime districts such as Central Area, Garki I and II, Wuse I and II, Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape, were among 8,375 land titles identified in March as defaulting on ground rent payments, with total arrears amounting to ₦6.97 billion.
The revocations, announced on March 18, 2025, were grounded in Section 28, Subsections 5(a) and (b) of the Land Use Act, which allows the government to reclaim land for breaches of occupancy terms, including non-payment of ground rent due annually on January 1 without demand. The affected properties, part of the ten oldest districts of Phase 1 of the Federal Capital City (FCC), include Cadastral Zones A00 to A09. The FCTA emphasized that ownership of these properties has legally reverted to the administration, and starting Monday, relevant agencies will seal off and restrict access to them.
High-Profile Defaulters in the Spotlight
Among the revoked properties is the land housing the PDP’s national headquarters in Abuja’s Central Business District, which was under construction and revoked in March for non-payment of ground rent spanning decades. Other notable defaulters include government institutions like the CBN, NNPC, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigerian Postal Service, and the National Universities Commission (NUC), as well as private entities like M.R.S Investment Company and state governments such as Borno and Kaduna. The PDP’s plaza, however, is privately owned by Samaila Mamman Kofi, who owes ₦2.84 million in ground rent from 1998 to 2025.
The inclusion of such prominent entities highlights the scale of non-compliance, with some defaults dating back to 1982. The FCTA clarified that the repossession process will proceed “without consideration as to ownership,” strictly adhering to legal protocols, and no court rulings currently block the action, despite claims by some property owners.
Grace Period and Ongoing Compliance Review
In March, the FCTA granted a 21-day grace period for title holders defaulting on ground rent for one to ten years to settle their debts or face revocation. The administration is now compiling records to assess compliance among these 3,581 additional defaulters (out of the 8,375 total), with further enforcement actions planned based on the results. For the 4,794 properties already revoked, the FCTA will decide their fate—potentially reallocating or repurposing them—after taking possession.
Director Mukhtar Galadima noted that the process will involve sealing properties and restricting access, signaling a firm stance on enforcement. The FCTA’s commitment to due process aims to ensure transparency, but the scale of the action has sparked concerns about its economic and political ramifications.
Why It Matters
The FCTA’s move is a bold step to enforce land administration discipline in Abuja, where ground rent is a critical revenue stream for maintaining the Federal Capital City’s infrastructure. The ₦6.97 billion in unpaid rent represents a significant loss, and the action signals to property owners—private and public alike—that compliance is non-negotiable. However, the inclusion of major institutions like the PDP, CBN, and NNPC raises questions about systemic issues in land management and the potential for political backlash.
The timing is notable, as the FCTA’s crackdown under Minister Nyesom Wike coincides with broader economic challenges in Nigeria, including inflation and currency depreciation. Seizing high-value properties in upscale districts like Maitama and Asokoro could disrupt real estate markets and affect investor confidence, especially if repurposing decisions favor new allocations over reinstating compliant owners. Posts on X reflect mixed sentiment, with some users praising Wike’s resolve to enforce laws, while others question the feasibility of reclaiming properties from powerful entities.
Challenges and Next Steps
The FCTA faces logistical and legal hurdles in executing this mass repossession. Sealing 4,794 properties across multiple districts requires significant coordination, and potential resistance from high-profile owners could complicate matters. While Nwankwoeze dismissed legal challenges, citing no restraining court orders, protracted litigation from affected parties remains a risk.
Looking ahead, the FCTA’s handling of the seized properties will be critical. Will they be reallocated to new owners, repurposed for public use, or offered back to defaulters who settle their debts? The administration’s decisions could reshape Abuja’s real estate landscape and set a precedent for land administration nationwide.
A Wake-Up Call for Property Owners
The FCTA’s aggressive move to reclaim 4,794 properties starting Monday underscores the consequences of neglecting ground rent obligations. For Abuja’s property owners, it’s a stark reminder to comply with the Land Use Act or risk losing valuable assets. As the FCTA begins sealing properties and asserting ownership, the fallout—economic, political, and social—will be closely watched. For now, Monday marks the start of a significant shake-up in Nigeria’s capital, with implications that could reverberate far beyond its borders.
