Starting Monday, May 26, 2025, FCTA will begin repossessing 4,794 properties whose owners failed to pay ground rent for periods ranging between 10 and 43 years.
Senior officials, including Lere Olayinka and directors Nwankwoeze and Galadima, announced the repossession plans during a Friday press briefing, citing the properties’ reversion to FCTA ownership.
The officials confirmed that FCTA would assert ownership rights over properties in districts like Garki, Wuse, Maitama, and Asokoro, without considering previous ownership claims.
They emphasized that FCTA would enforce the takeover strictly under existing laws and regulations, disregarding claims from former owners or ongoing disputes.
Development Control Director Galadima stated that authorities would seal affected properties on Monday and restrict access while determining their future use.
Land Director Nwankwoeze dismissed legal claims, affirming no court decision prevents FCTA from enforcing revocations and executing lawful actions on the affected properties.
He revealed that FCTA is compiling compliance records for titleholders who owe ground rent for one to ten years, following a 21-day payment deadline.
Nwankwoeze reminded the public that on March 18, FCTA announced revocation of 4,794 land titles due to prolonged ground rent default in Phase 1 districts.
He clarified that these revoked titles are part of 8,375 land titles with outstanding rent ranging from one to 43 years, totaling nearly N7 billion owed.
FCTA officials reiterated that, beginning May 26, they will repossess these properties using relevant agencies and apply the law without exception or favoritism.
They stressed that the obligation to pay annual ground rent is legally binding and outlined in the terms of Right of Occupancy agreements.
In March, FCTA compiled a list of defaulters across ten Phase 1 districts, including Central Area, Wuse, Garki, Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape.
Out of 8,375 defaulters, 4,794 titles had unpaid rent for over 10 years, prompting revocation under Section 28(5a, b) of the Land Use Act.
FCTA revoked the defaulting titles in March and will now exercise its authority by taking possession, as permitted by law, starting May 26.
