FCT Minister Nyesom Wike Announces Crackdown on Ground Rent and Land Use Defaulters
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced that enforcement actions against defaulters of Ground Rent payments and Land Use Change/Conversion fees will begin on November 26.
Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, made the announcement in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.
Olayinka recalled that, following President Bola Tinubu’s intervention, Wike had granted defaulters a 14-day grace period to settle outstanding Ground Rent as of May 26. “The 14-day grace expired on June 9, over five months ago,” he said.
He also referenced previous publications in national newspapers and online platforms regarding the revised Land Use/Purpose Clause, which gave defaulters 30 days to pay violation fees of N5 million and other applicable charges for land use changes or conversions.
A final grace period of 14 days was granted for properties in Asokoro, Maitama, Garki, and Wuse districts, which will expire on Monday, November 24.
Olayinka stated that enforcement will commence from Wednesday, November 26, targeting all defaulters, including property owners who purchased land without completing mandatory registration and obtaining Ministerial Consent.
He added that the FCT Administration (FCTA) will also act against defaulters of Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) and Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills, including property purchasers who have not registered their interests or completed their Deeds of Assignment.
