President Bola Tinubu has approved a 14-day grace period for ground rent defaulters in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to settle their outstanding payments, including applicable penalties.
The Director of Land in the FCTA, Mr Chijoke Nwankwoeze, made this known during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday.
He said the President’s intervention followed the FCT Administration’s recent enforcement drive involving the sealing of 4,794 properties over unpaid ground rent arrears exceeding ₦6 billion. Some of the debts date back over four decades.
Among the sealed properties were the Peoples Democratic Party National Secretariat, Access Bank, the Federal Inland Revenue Service offices, the Chinese Cultural Centre, Ibro Hotel, and others, all located in Wuse Zone 5.
Also Read: FCTA Takes Over PDP National Secretariat Over 28-Year Unpaid Ground Rent
Nwankwoeze stated that the exercise affected government institutions, corporate bodies and individuals alike, underscoring the administration’s resolve to apply the law without exception.
Under the new directive, affected property owners must pay their arrears and penalties within 14 days. Penalties vary by district:
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Central Area defaulters are to pay ₦5 million
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Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, and Guzape: ₦3 million
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Wuse I, Garki I, and Garki II: ₦2 million
The director also urged individuals who have acquired properties but failed to obtain the Minister’s Consent or register their Deeds of Assignment to complete the process within the 14-day window.
In addition, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has extended a similar grace period for payment of Right of Occupancy or Certificate of Occupancy fees, warning that failure to comply may lead to revocation.
Nwankwoeze stressed that prompt payment of statutory charges would enable the government to fund critical infrastructure and services for the benefit of residents.
