FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike has approved the revocation of 4,794 land titles in ten districts of the territory over non-payment of ground rent in over 40 years.
The FCT Administration Director of Lands, Chijioke Nwankwoeze announced this at a press briefing on Monday. He said 8,375 property owners in Central Area, Garki I and II, Wuse I and II, Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape were owing ground rent of more than 43 years.
He noted that the payment of ground rent on landed properties in the FCT was founded on extant legislation adding that It is stipulated in the terms and conditions of the grant of Right of Occupancy, and it is due for payment on the first day of January, each year, without demand.
He listed the ten oldest districts to include Phase 1 of the Federal Capital City. They are; Central Area District , Garki I , Wuse I, Garki II, Asokoro, Maitama, Maitama, Wuse II, Wuse II and Guzape.
Nwankoeze disclosed that as of the end of 2024 and up till Monday, N7 billion was owed as ground rent by 8,375 property owners.
This, he said is in contravention of the terms and conditions of the grant of the Rights of Occupancy, in line with the provisions of Section 28, Subsections 5(a) and (b) of the Land Use Act.
"A total of 4,794 land titles are in default of Ground rent payment for 10 years and above. This means that in the listed districts, 4,794 property owners have not paid Ground Rent in the last 10 years.
"This is in contravention of the terms and conditions of the grant of the Rights of Occupancy, in line with the provisions of Section 28, Subsections 5(a) and (b) of the Land Use Act.
"Consequently, the titles of the properties in default of payment of Ground Rent for 10 years and above have been revoked forthwith.
"A grace of 21 Days is also given to title holders that are in default of payment of Ground Rent for between one and ten years, after which the affected titles will be revoked."
