The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has approved 14 days for all defaulters of ground rent to pay their rent.

Wike’s approval followed President Bola Tinubu’s intervention.

Officials of the Federal Capital Territory Authority, FCTA, had commenced sealing of some properties for failing to pay their ground rent.

However, a statement by Chijioke Nwankwoeze, the Director of Land Administration in the FCT, said owners of properties in the Central Area, who defaulted will pay the sum of N5 million as penalty in addition to the ground rent owed.

The statement reads: “Today, May 26, 2025, we commenced enforcement on the 4,794 properties revoked for non-payment of ground rent, from 10 to 43 years.

“Properties owned by government institutions, corporate organisations and individuals were affected. This demonstrates the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s commitment to carrying out its functions without fear or favour.

“However, the President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has intervened. Therefore, by Mr. President’s intervention, holders of the affected properties now have 14 days (two weeks) to settle the outstanding ground rents, with associated penalties.

“Those in Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, and Guzape districts will pay the sum of N3 million as penalty, in addition to the ground rent owed.

“Defaulters in Wuse I, Garki I and Garki II will pay N2 million as penalty in addition to the ground rent owed.

“Also, all those who purchased properties from other people, but are yet to register their interests by obtaining the mandatory Minister’s Consent and registering their Deeds of Assignment, now have 14 days (two weeks) to do so at the FCT Department of Land Administration.

“Furthermore, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, has granted a 14-day (two weeks) grace period to all property holders in the FCT to pay up their Right of Occupancy/Certificate of Occupancy bills, or risk revocation of those titles.

“Going forward, the Minister has advised property owners in the FCT to ensure that they pay all necessary bills and charges on their properties as and when due, so as to enable the government to continue to carry out necessary developmental projects for the benefit of the people.”