The Federal Capital Territory Minister Barrister Nyesom Wike announced that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCDA) will begin the takeover of properties, including the National Headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), over unpaid ground rent, starting from Monday May 26, 2025.
Wike disclosed during a press conference held on Friday May 23, 2025.
The Minister, represented by Lere Olayinka, his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, along with Director of Land Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, and the Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima.
According to the officials, the revoked properties span several high-profile districts, including the Central Area, Garki 1, Garki 1 1, Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape.
The government states that ownership of these properties has now reverted to the FCTA, and from Monday May 26, it will begin asserting its rights over them.
“This exercise will be carried out strictly in accordance with existing laws and regulations, without regard to the identity or status of the former owners”, official said.
The FCTA revealed that the affected property owners had defaulted on a cumulative ground rent of over N6.96 billion, with some rents going back as far as 43′ years. A 21-day grace period was given to those owing less than 10 years of rent, but it has since expired.
The revocation were made under Section 28 (5) (a) (b) of the land Use Act, which grants the government the authority to reclaim land where the terms of occupancy, such as payment of ground rent, have been violated.
Speaking at the briefing Nwankwoeze emphasized that ground rent is payable annually. on January 1st without the need for demand notice.
Mukhtar Galadima, Director of Development Control, confirmed that enforcement actions will commence on Monday.
He stated that the FCDA will begin sealing off the affected properties and restricting access as part of take over process.
-9News Nigeria.
