FCTA Begins Enforcement on 1,095 Revoked Property Titles in Abuja

FCTA Initiates Enforcement Against Property Defaulters in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has officially begun enforcement actions on 1,095 revoked property titles across Abuja. This significant move, approved by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, targets properties in high-value districts such as Asokoro, Maitama, Garki, and Wuse. The enforcement commenced on Friday, November 28, 2025, following the expiration of a 14-day grace period on Tuesday, November 25, 2025.

Reasons for Revocation and Legal Basis

The primary reason for these revocations is the persistent failure of property owners to settle outstanding statutory land charges. These charges include:

• Ground Rent
• Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills
• Penalty/Violation fees
• Land Use Conversion fees

Of the 1,095 properties, 835 were revoked for defaulting on ground rent, while the remaining 260 were for non-payment of violation fees and land use conversion fees. The FCTA stated that these defaults contravene Section 28, Subsections 5(a) and (b) of the Land Use Act, as well as the terms and conditions attached to the respective Rights of Occupancy.

Ignored Warnings and Previous Actions

According to Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, property owners had ample opportunity to regularize their payments. Multiple public notices were issued by the FCTA between May and November 2025 across national newspapers, online platforms, and television stations, warning defaulters of impending sanctions. This latest enforcement is part of a broader initiative by Minister Wike, who assumed office in 2023, to streamline Abuja's land administration. Previous actions under his tenure include the revocation of over 165 property titles in September 2023 and more than 600 properties in October 2023 for reasons such as non-development and contraventions of land use conditions. Earlier in 2025, the FCTA had identified over 8,000 properties with outstanding ground rent obligations.

Impact and Future Steps

The FCTA emphasized that the persistent default, particularly by owners of high-value properties in prime districts, has contributed to revenue shortfalls crucial for infrastructure development, city maintenance, and service delivery. The administration has indicated that further steps, including sealing and repossession of the affected properties, will follow due process in line with land administration laws. This aggressive push aims to ensure accountability, protect government revenue, and maintain order in the management of land assets within the Federal Capital Territory.