Tinubu Halts Forceful Takeover Of 4,794 FCT Properties, Grants 14-Day Grace Period

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a halt to the forceful takeover of 4,794 properties in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) that were recently revoked over long-term non-payment of ground rent.

The affected properties had defaulted on payments for periods ranging from 10 to 43 years. Following the revocation, the FCT Administration (FCTA) began sealing several defaulting properties, including government offices, private buildings, and commercial establishments.

In response, President Tinubu intervened and approved a 14-day grace period for affected property owners to settle their outstanding ground rents along with stipulated penalties.

Under the new directive, the penalties are structured by location as follows:

₦5 million for properties in the Central Area

₦3 million for Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, and Guzape

₦2 million for Wuse I, Garki I, and Garki II

Additionally, those who acquired properties without obtaining the required Minister’s Consent or registering their Deeds of Assignment must do so within the same 14-day window at the FCT Department of Land Administration.

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has also warned that all property owners in Abuja must pay their Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) or Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills within 14 days or risk revocation of their titles.

The President’s intervention comes after high-profile enforcement actions, including the sealing of the PDP national secretariat, Access Bank at Wuse Market, a Total filling station, and the FIRS office in Zone 5, Abuja.

Property owners are urged to use the grace period to regularize their documents and clear outstanding payments to avoid permanent revocation.