FCTA to Reclaim Nearly 5,000 Properties in Abuja Over Long-Term Ground Rent Defaults

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is set to begin repossessing 4,794 properties across Abuja starting Monday, May 26, 2025, following years of unpaid ground rent by their owners.

This enforcement action stems from the revocation of land titles earlier in March under legal provisions that permit the government to reclaim land where the conditions of occupancy have been violated. In this case, the violation involves non-payment of ground rent for periods ranging from 10 to 43 years.

The affected properties are spread across several prime areas of the Federal Capital City, including Central Area, Garki I and II, Wuse I and II, Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape. Among them is the national headquarters of a major political party, which is among the most high-profile assets listed for repossession.

Earlier this year, the FCTA identified over 8,000 properties with outstanding ground rent obligations, with the total debt exceeding ₦6.9 billion. Property owners with unpaid rents of less than 10 years were offered a 21-day grace period to regularize their accounts. That window has now closed, triggering the administration’s decision to proceed with enforcement.

The repossession process will include sealing the identified properties and restricting access to them. According to officials, this will be done in full alignment with legal frameworks, without exceptions or preferential treatment.

This move is part of a broader effort by the FCTA to uphold compliance with land administration policies, recover owed revenues, and ensure sustainable funding for public infrastructure and essential services in the capital.