President Tinubu announces a 14-day extension for property owners in the FCT

President Tinubu announces a 14-day extension for property owners in the FCT to settle their outstanding ground rent.
President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has granted a 14-day grace period for property owners in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to pay any outstanding ground rent and penalties.

This decision comes in the wake of the FCT Administration's recent enforcement activities that have led to the revocation of the rights to over 4,794 properties due to unpaid rent arrears. The Director of Land at the FCTA, Chijoke Nwankwoeze, disclosed that the properties in question owe the government over N6 billion in ground rent arrears that stretch back 10 to 43 years. The penalties for non-payment vary by district, with the highest being N5 million for properties in the Central Area, N3 million for areas like Maitama and Asokoro, and N2 million for others in Wuse I, Garki I, and Garki II. The government has emphasized the importance of these payments for funding infrastructure and development projects within the FCT. Additionally, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has given property owners another 14 days to settle their Right of Occupancy or Certificate of Occupancy fees to avoid further consequences, such as the revocation of their property rights. The government's actions highlight the need to address the issue of unpaid ground rents and ensure that revenue generation is maximized for the continued development of the nation's capital.