By Christopher Sunday voxnews.com.ng
Abuja, May 26, 2025 – In a decisive move reflecting responsive leadership and economic sensitivity, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has intervened in the ongoing revocation of nearly 4,800 properties in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) over unpaid ground rent. The President has approved a 14-day grace period for affected property owners to clear their outstanding obligations and regularize relevant documentation.
The announcement came on Monday evening during a press briefing by Mr. Chijioke Nwankwoeze, Director of Land Administration in the FCT. He disclosed that the revocation exercise, which officially commenced earlier in the day, was targeting 4,794 properties—some of which have ground rent arrears dating back over four decades.
“These properties belong to a cross-section of owners, ranging from government institutions to corporate organizations and private individuals,” Nwankwoeze said.
He reiterated the FCT Administration’s dedication to enforcing land regulations across the board but clarified that the revocation action was temporarily halted following the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
“In the spirit of fairness and as part of a national reform approach, President Tinubu has approved a 14-day window during which all affected property holders are to settle their dues, inclusive of applicable penalties,” he stated.
According to details released, the penalty structure varies by location, with prime areas such as the Central District incurring a hefty N5 million surcharge in addition to the accumulated ground rent. Other districts will have their own tailored penalty frameworks, yet to be fully disclosed by the FCT administration.
This development has been met with relief among property stakeholders, political observers, and members of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP)—some of whom are reportedly among the affected. It also signals a commitment by the Tinubu administration to balance enforcement with economic empathy, especially at a time when Nigerians are grappling with inflation and fiscal reforms.
A senior FCT official, speaking under anonymity, described the President’s directive as “a rare show of governance with a human face,” noting that it could salvage billions in revenue for the government while averting legal battles and socio-political tensions.
Land analysts believe this move could reset how compliance and enforcement are handled in the FCT, especially concerning long-term defaulters. They also warn that failure to comply after the grace period may trigger irreversible revocations and enforcement actions.
Stakeholders are now advised to take immediate steps to settle outstanding payments, avoid further penalties, and retain their legal interests in the capital’s real estate space.
The FCT Administration is expected to publish a comprehensive list of the affected properties and step-by-step instructions for compliance in the coming days.
