Tinubu suspends FCT property seizures, grants PDP, others 14 Days grace

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stepped in to suspend the ongoing sealing of properties belonging to ground rent defaulters in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), granting a 14-day window for affected owners to settle their debts and regularise their property documents.

This was confirmed by Mr. Chijioke Nwankwoeze, Director of Land Administration in the FCT, during a briefing on Monday night in Abuja.

According to Nwankwoeze, enforcement began earlier on May 26, 2025, targeting 4,794 properties revoked for non-payment of ground rent ranging from 10 to 43 years. He revealed that the affected properties include those owned by government institutions, corporate organisations, and private individuals, stressing that the action reflects the FCTA’s resolve to discharge its duties impartially.

However, following President Tinubu’s intervention, a 14-day grace period has been approved for property owners to settle their outstanding ground rents along with applicable penalties. In the breakdown, defaulters in the Central Area are expected to pay a penalty of N5 million in addition to their arrears, while those in Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, and Guzape will pay N3 million. Property owners in Wuse I, Garki I, and Garki II are to pay a penalty of N2 million.

The administration also warned that individuals who purchased properties but have yet to obtain the mandatory Minister’s Consent and register their Deeds of Assignment must do so within the grace period at the FCT Department of Land Administration.

Similarly, the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, granted a 14-day extension for all property holders to clear their Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) and Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills or face revocation.

The FCTA advised all property owners to comply with their obligations promptly to enable the government to pursue key development projects for the benefit of residents.