FCTA Clarifies Land Title Revocations

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has clarified its recent decision to revoke land titles, confirming that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is just one of 4,794 plots affected by this action due to unpaid ground rents.

The FCT Director of Land Department, Chijioke Nwakwoeze, made the clarification yesterday in Abuja while briefing journalists after the 13th session of the monthly Executive Council Meeting under the leadership of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

He stated that the confusion surrounding the revocation of the PDP‘s property located in the Central Area stemmed from speculation.

“Contrary to claims that two plots belonging to the PDP were revoked, it is only the land located in the Central Area that has been affected.

“The property where the PDP currently operates as its national headquarters does not belong to them, but to one Samaila Maman, who originally purchased it from Wadata, with all proper documentation registered,” he said.

The director revealed that the PDP had accumulated a ground rent debt over 28 years, amounting to 2,848,173 Naira from 1998 to 2025.

“Despite our notifications regarding these dues, the PDP has failed to settle the ground rent for 20 years. As of today, for their Central Area property, they owe a total of 7,603,504 Naira,” he stated.

In addressing the revocation notice served to the PDP, Nwakwoeze clarified that such notices are delivered to title holders, not to tenants or occupiers.

“The only notice served to the PDP was regarding the property in the Central Area. This was appropriate given their outstanding obligations,” he explained.

He elaborated that the recent revocations were not targeted solely at the PDP but affected a broad spectrum of entities, including government institutions and private organizations, such as the Nigerian Postal Authority, Central Bank of Nigeria, and many others.

“It is simply incorrect to claim that we are singling out the PDP; this action involves numerous stakeholders across the territory,” he noted.

As part of the ongoing efforts to address unpaid ground rents, the FCTA has implemented a 21-day window for landowners with arrears ranging from one year to ten years to make payments.

“The revocation affects those who have not fulfilled their financial obligations for ten years or longer. Some individuals owe ground rents for periods spanning as much as 43 years. This is unacceptable.

“Ground rent payments are critical for the FCTA to maintain infrastructure and public services. Our revocation actions primarily target the 10 oldest districts in the first phase of development, all of which are fully serviced with essential facilities,” he added.

The FCTA encouraged landowners in these districts and beyond to fulfill their obligations.

“We implore everyone who is behind on payments to come forward, as this compliance is vital, especially as we prepare for similar measures in other phases of development.

“The responsibilities of landowners extend beyond ground rent to include payment of right of occupancy bills and obtaining necessary certificates,” he said.