Ground Rent: Wike Revokes 4,794 Land Titles

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced revoking 4,794 land titles for failure to pay Ground Rent for more than four decades.

In a briefing, it was revealed that property owners in key districts, including the Central Area, Garki I and II, Wuse I and II, Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape, have not settled their Ground Rent bills for an average of 43 years, with a total of 8,375 property owners in breach of their obligations.

During the media briefing, the minister’s senior special assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, and the FCTA Director of Lands, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, provided further details.

“The FCTA has repeatedly warned defaulters through publications in national newspapers and broadcasts since 2023, urging them to clear their outstanding Ground Rent. Unfortunately, the response has been minimal, and many property owners have failed to comply,” stated Olayinka.

He emphasised that Ground Rent payments are mandated by existing legislation and are required under the terms and conditions of the Right of Occupancy. I just wanted to let you know that payment is due on January 1 each year without needing reminders.

“A comprehensive list of land titles in arrears has been compiled for ten of the oldest districts in Phase 1 of the Federal Capital City (FCC): Central Area District (Cadastral Zone A00), Garki I (Cadastral Zone A01), Wuse I (Cadastral Zone A02), Garki II (Cadastral Zone A03), Asokoro (Cadastral Zone A04), Maitama (Cadastral Zones A05 and A06), Wuse II (Cadastral Zones A07 and A08), and Guzape (Cadastral Zone A09).

“As of the end of 2024, the total outstanding Ground Rent is N6,967,980,119 owed by 8,375 property owners. Among these, 4,794 land titles have not been paid for more than ten years, violating the stipulations of the Rights of Occupancy outlined in Section 28, Subsections 5(a) and (b) of the Land Use Act.

“As a result, the titles of properties with over ten years of unpaid Ground Rent will be revoked immediately. Additionally, a grace period of 21 days is being granted to title holders who owe Ground Rent for periods of one to ten years, after which their titles will also be revoked,” he said.