ABUJA, Nigeria — Tension is rising in Nigeria’s capital as the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) prepares to begin the revocation and sealing of 4,794 properties across key districts in Abuja over non-payment of ground rent, some dating back more than 19 years.
Among the affected properties is the national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), located in the Central Business District, as well as numerous private and government-owned buildings in high-profile areas including Garki I and II, Wuse I and II, Asokoro, Maitama, Guzape, and the Central Area.
The FCTA announced the enforcement action during a press briefing on Friday, stating that the revocation exercise will commence today, Monday, May 26, 2025.
“Ownership of the revoked 4,794 properties… has already reverted to the FCTA, and as from Monday, the government will begin to exercise its rights of ownership on the affected landed properties,” said Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, on Public Communications and Social Media.
He added, “As usual, this will be done without consideration as to ownership of the affected landed properties. It will be purely in line with extant laws and regulations guiding the process.”
Ground rent, a statutory fee landowners are required to pay annually for the legal right to occupy and use their land in the FCT, has long been a contentious issue, with many property owners falling into long-term arrears.
According to sources within the FCTA, the announcement has triggered a flurry of behind-the-scenes lobbying from prominent individuals and political figures.
“The calls and lobbying started on Friday evening, just hours after the briefing,” a senior official said on the condition of anonymity.
“Most of the calls have come from top politicians and high-net-worth individuals whose properties are on the revocation list.”
Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, had earlier in March issued a revocation order affecting the properties, citing prolonged non-compliance with ground rent obligations.
Despite subsequent notices, many of the affected property owners have reportedly failed to regularise their payments.
The looming enforcement has generated widespread anxiety among property owners and residents, many of whom are watching to see how the FCTA will proceed.
As of early Sunday, May 25, 2025, FCTA teams, including officials from the Department of Development Control and Land Administration, were preparing to begin sealing affected premises.
Director of Land Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, and Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, who both appeared at a media briefing on Friday, May 23, 2025, reiterated that the administration would not grant exemptions, regardless of status or ownership.
