Tinubu Suspends Revocation of 4,794 Abuja Properties Over Unpaid Ground Rent, Gives 14-Day Grace

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has intervened to temporarily suspend the revocation of over 4,700 properties in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) previously targeted for enforcement due to non-payment of Ground Rent spanning 10 to 43 years.

The FCT Administration (FCTA) had begun sealing off the affected properties on Monday, May 26, 2025, including major government buildings such as the PDP National Secretariat and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) headquarters, among others owned by government agencies, companies, and individuals.

However, in a statement issued late Monday by Chijioke Nwankwoeze, Director of Land Administration at the FCTA, it was announced that President Tinubu had stepped in, granting a 14-day grace period for defaulters to settle their outstanding dues.

“President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has intervened. Therefore, by Mr. President’s intervention, holders of the affected properties now have 14 days (TWO WEEKS) to settle the outstanding Ground Rents, with associated penalties,” the statement read.

The penalty structure announced includes:

• ₦5 million for properties in the Central Area, plus Ground Rent arrears.

• ₦3 million for those in Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, and Guzape, plus arrears.

• ₦2 million for properties in Wuse I, Garki I, and Garki II, plus arrears.

In addition, property buyers who have not yet secured the Minister’s Consent or completed the registration of their Deeds of Assignment are also required to do so within the 14-day window.

The FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, also warned that failure to clear Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) and Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills within this period may result in title revocations.

Property owners are urged to ensure all outstanding charges and statutory payments are made promptly to support infrastructure development and public services in the capital.