Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has taken decisive action against property owners in Abuja who have failed to pay their ground rents. In a recent move, Wike approved the revocation of 4,794 land titles due to non-payment of ground rent spanning over 40 years. This decision affects properties in key districts such as Central Area, Garki I & II, Wuse I & II, Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape, where a total of 8,375 property owners have defaulted on payments amounting to approximately ₦6.97 billion.
Wike has been vocal about his commitment to enforcing compliance, stating that he derives satisfaction from challenging influential individuals who neglect their obligations. He emphasized that the payment of ground rent is a legal requirement under the Land Use Act and is crucial for funding infrastructure development in the FCT. Despite multiple warnings and public notices issued since 2023, many allottees failed to settle their debts, prompting the revocation of their land titles.
In a notable instance, the land occupancy rights of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) national secretariat in Abuja were revoked due to non-payment of ground rent for 19 years. The FCT Administration cited the PDP's failure to pay the annual fees from January 1, 2006, to January 1, 2025, despite numerous reminders.
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Wike has also warned that any land titles with ground rent arrears between one and ten years have a 21-day grace period to settle their debts, after which their titles will also be revoked. He stressed that no individual, regardless of status, would be exempt from these regulations, reinforcing his stance against impunity and emphasizing the importance of accountability in land administration.
This crackdown is part of Wike's broader efforts to enhance revenue collection and ensure that landowners fulfill their financial responsibilities, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of the Federal Capital Territory
Picture Credit: The Vanguard
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