Relief for PDP, Access Bank, Others as Tinubu Intervenes, Grants 14-Day Ground Rent Payment Grace

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stepped in to ease tensions surrounding the enforcement actions on unpaid ground rents in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), granting a 14-day grace period for affected property holders to settle their outstanding dues and penalties.

The FCT Administration had begun enforcing revocation orders on 4,794 properties on Monday. The affected properties, which span 10 to 43 years of unpaid ground rent, include those owned by individuals, corporate bodies, and government institutions.

Following President Tinubu’s intervention, the FCT Department of Land Administration confirmed that defaulters now have two weeks to clear their debts. Director of the department, Mr. Chijioke Nwankwoeze, explained that the penalties vary depending on the location of the property. Owners of properties in the Central Area are to pay a penalty of N5 million in addition to their outstanding ground rent. Properties in Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, and Guzape will incur a N3 million penalty, while those in Wuse I, Garki I, and Garki II are expected to pay N2 million.

Nwankwoeze also urged individuals who have acquired properties through secondary sales to ensure they obtain the mandatory Minister’s Consent and register their Deeds of Assignment within the 14-day window.

Additionally, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has granted a similar two-week grace period for all property holders to settle any unpaid Right of Occupancy or Certificate of Occupancy fees. He warned that failure to comply within the stipulated timeframe could lead to the revocation of affected titles.

The Minister emphasized the importance of timely payment of land-related charges, noting that such compliance is crucial for the continued development of the capital city and for delivering public infrastructure and services.