FCTA Set To Crack Down On Ground Rent Defaulters.

Abuja.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration will begin strict enforcement next week against individuals and organisations that have failed to pay their ground rent, land use conversion fees and mandatory land documentation charges, including Right of Occupancy and Certificate of Occupancy bills.

The announcement was made in a statement issued on Thursday by Lere Olayinka, the senior special assistant on public communications and social media to the FCT Minister. He confirmed that the enforcement exercise will commence on Wednesday, November 26, 2025.

The administration stressed that it had given several grace periods before resorting to enforcement. It recalled that on May 26, 2025, after the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, granted a 14-day grace window for defaulters to settle outstanding ground rent and accompanying penalties.

The statement also noted that public notices were issued in national newspapers and online platforms on September 8, 9, and 10, informing property owners of the reviewed land use and purpose clause. They were given a 30-day deadline to pay the N5 million violation fee and any related charges.

It added that another notice was published across newspapers, online platforms, radio and television, granting a final 14-day grace period to owners of properties in Asokoro, Maitama, Garki and Wuse who had violated approved land use terms.

The 14-day grace for ground rent expired on June 9, while the extension for land use conversion will end on Monday, November 24, leaving the FCTA prepared to begin full enforcement.

Olayinka further explained that the enforcement will also apply to individuals who bought properties but failed to update their ownership records.

He said the exercise would cover all those who purchased properties without obtaining the Minister’s Consent and registering their Deeds of Assignment, stressing that compliance is mandatory.