Wike Takes Over PDP Headquarters Land, 4,793 Others Over Unpaid Ground Rent

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) under Minister Nyesom Wike has announced plans to take possession of 4,794 properties across Abuja, including the land housing the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), following their revocation in March 2025 over prolonged non-payment of ground rent.

Beginning Monday, May 26, the FCTA will commence enforcement actions in the affected areas, which include Central Area, Garki I and II, Wuse I and II, Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape. This development was disclosed during a press briefing on Friday by senior FCTA officials, including the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, Lere Olayinka; Director of Land Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze; and Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima.

The officials clarified that ownership of the revoked properties has fully reverted to the FCTA and actions to reclaim them will proceed without exception, regardless of previous ownership. They emphasized that all enforcement measures will align with existing laws and regulations.

The FCTA stated that some of the affected properties had not paid ground rent for periods ranging between 10 and 43 years. The PDP headquarters, specifically, was among those revoked earlier this year due to years of non-compliance.

Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, noted that from Monday, the FCTA would begin sealing off defaulting properties and restricting access. Future use of these properties would be determined by the administration in due course.

Addressing reports of legal challenges, Director of Lands, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, confirmed that there are no court injunctions halting the FCTA’s actions, asserting the administration’s full legal authority to proceed.

He also revealed that efforts are ongoing to review compliance among titleholders who were granted a 21-day grace period to settle outstanding ground rent debts covering one to ten years. Once analysis is complete, the administration will act accordingly.

Back in March, the FCTA disclosed that 8,375 property owners owed a combined total of N6.97 billion in ground rent across the 10 oldest districts in Phase 1 of the Federal Capital City, with 4,794 of them defaulting for over a decade. These areas include Cadastral Zones A00 to A09, which span the Central Area, Garki, Wuse, Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape.

The FCTA reiterated that non-payment of ground rent violates the terms of the Right of Occupancy, as stipulated by the Land Use Act, Section 28, Subsections 5(a) and (b). Consequently, the revocation of titles for long-standing defaulters is in full compliance with the law.