The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has revoked 4,794 land titles due to non-payment of Ground Rent for over 10 years. This decision follows repeated warnings to property owners who failed to clear their outstanding dues.
According to Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, and Chijioke Nwankwoeze, the Director of Lands at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), a total of 8,375 property owners in key districts have defaulted on their payments for the past 43 years.
The affected areas include Central Area, Garki I and II, Wuse I and II, Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape. The outstanding amount owed in Ground Rent by these defaulters stands at N6,967,980,119 as of the end of 2024.
Repeated Warnings Ignored
The FCTA had made multiple announcements in national newspapers and broadcast media since 2023, urging defaulters to clear their outstanding bills. However, many property owners failed to comply.
Officials emphasized that the payment of Ground Rent is a legal obligation outlined in the terms and conditions of the Right of Occupancy. The rent is due annually on January 1st without requiring a demand notice.
Due to widespread non-compliance, the FCTA compiled a list of land titles in default within the ten oldest districts of Phase 1 in the Federal Capital City (FCC). The affected districts are:
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)
Guzape (Cadastral Zone A09)
Immediate Revocation and Grace Period
Under Section 28, Subsections 5(a) and (b) of the Land Use Act, failing to pay Ground Rent violates the terms of occupancy. Consequently, land titles that have been in default for 10 years or more have been revoked with immediate effect.
However, the FCTA has granted a 21-day grace period for property owners who have defaulted for less than 10 years. If they fail to settle their payments within this timeframe, their titles will also be revoked.
The decision underscores the government’s commitment to enforcing land regulations and ensuring compliance with property laws in the FCT.
News
Prime Suspect in Kasipul MP Charles Were’s Killing Arrested
Detectives investigating the assassination of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were have arrested the suspected gunman, Isaac Kuria, near the Kenya-Tanzania border as he allegedly tried to flee the country.
Hamas Agrees to Release U.S. Hostage Edan Alexander After 19 Months
Edan Alexander, a 20-year-old Israeli-American soldier and the last known U.S. citizen held by Hamas, will be released after more than 19 months in captivity, according to a statement from Hamas on Sunday.
Police Arrest Female Kidnapper, Three Others in Anambra Raid
Police in Anambra State have arrested a female suspect and three others linked to kidnapping, armed robbery, and car theft.
Pope Leo XIV Embraces AI, Vows to Continue Pope Francis' Mission
Pope Leo XIV made his first formal appearance as pontiff on May 10, 2025, delivering a speech in which he outlined his vision for the papacy.
EFCC Arrests Two Chinese Nationals and Six Nigerians for Illegal Mining
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested eight people, including two Chinese nationals and six Nigerians, for their alleged involvement in illegal mining activities in Ogun State.
Mombasa Man Jailed Three Years for Repeat Vandalism Offence
A Mombasa court has sentenced a man to three years in prison or a fine of Ksh. 3 million for vandalizing public infrastructure along the Miritini–Kipevu Road.
Nigerian Pastor Timothy Omotoso Rearrested Over Immigration
Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso was rearrested in South Africa early Saturday morning, just weeks after being acquitted of serious criminal charges.
Federal Cuts Leave Wildfire Crews Understaffed Ahead of Fire Season
A shortage of federal wildland firefighting staff is raising alarms in Washington and Oregon as fire season nears.
Western Balkan Governments Expand Surveillance, Raise Privacy Fears
Governments in the Western Balkans are increasing their use of surveillance tools and digital controls, raising serious concerns over privacy, press freedom, and political targeting.
FG Declares May 1 Public Holiday to Mark Workers’ Day Celebration
The Federal Government has declared Thursday, May 1, 2025, a public holiday to honour Nigerian workers and celebrate International Workers’ Day.
Trump Marks 100 Days With Praise for Record and Attacks on Critics
On the 100th day of his second term, President Donald Trump delivered a fiery speech celebrating his achievements while attacking political opponents and critics.
South Korea Reports 600 North Korean Soldiers Killed in Ukraine
Approximately 600 North Korean soldiers have died while fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, according to South Korean intelligence.
Three Killed in Uppsala Hair Salon Shooting Ahead of Festival
Three people have died in a shooting at a hair salon in Uppsala, Sweden, just before a major local festival.
Kenya Suspends Gambling Ads and Influencer Marketing for 30 Days
The government has temporarily suspended all gambling advertisements and influencer marketing for betting firms for 30 days.
Nigerian Soldier Sentenced to Death for Killing Girlfriend
A General Court Martial in Enugu has sentenced a Nigerian soldier to death by hanging for killing his girlfriend.