Starting Monday, May 26, 2025, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will begin repossessing 4,794 properties across Abuja due to non-payment of ground rent—some cases dating back over four decades. This move follows the revocation of land titles under Section 28(5)(a)(b) of the Land Use Act, which permits land seizure when conditions of occupancy are violated.
The properties targeted for repossession are located in high-profile districts such as Maitama, Asokoro, Guzape, Garki I & II, Wuse I & II, and the Central Area. Ownership rights have now been transferred to the government, which plans to take physical control of the properties starting next week.
This initiative is part of a broader campaign to enforce land compliance and recover more than ₦6.96 billion in unpaid rent from 8,375 defaulters. Despite repeated public notices issued since 2023 and a 21-day grace period for those owing less than 10 years of rent, many owners failed to pay. The FCTA emphasized that ground rent must be paid annually by January 1 and warned that property reclamation will proceed as scheduled, irrespective of individual claims or appeals.
