Massive Crackdown Hits Premium Districts as Defaulters Lose Rights of Occupancy

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has commenced strict enforcement actions on 1,095 properties across Abuja, following the recent revocation of their titles for persistent failure to settle statutory land charges.
Akahi News learnt that the operation, approved by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, marks one of the most extensive land recovery exercises undertaken in the Federal Capital Territory in recent years.

According to a statement released on Friday by Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, the affected properties are situated within prime locations of the Federal Capital City (FCC), including Asokoro, Maitama, Garki, and Wuse.

835 Properties Revoked Over Ground Rent; 260 Hit by Land Use Violations

The administration disclosed that 835 properties were revoked for defaulting on statutory ground rent payments, while 260 others were affected due to violations related to land use conversion requirements and associated penalties.

This latest action reflects the Minister’s resolve to sanitise Abuja’s land administration system, boost internally generated revenue, and ensure that property owners comply with legal obligations tied to their Rights of Occupancy.
Akahi News gathered that several notices were issued between May and November 2025 across television stations, newspapers, and online platforms, warning defaulters to settle their outstanding liabilities.

However, despite repeated calls for compliance, many failed to respond.

FCTA: “Defaulters Violated the Land Use Act”

In the official statement seen by Akahi News, the FCTA stressed that the affected property holders had been given ample opportunity to regularise their records before enforcement commenced.

The statement partly read:

“Despite the several publications/public notices made by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) in some national dailies, online platforms, and television stations requesting defaulters to settle their financial obligations/liabilities to the FCTA — namely Ground Rent, Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) Bill, Penalty/Violation Fee, and Land Use Conversion Fee — the underlisted property holders have failed to comply.”

The administration added that such non-compliance violates Section 28, Subsections 5(a) and (b) of the Land Use Act, as well as the terms and conditions governing all Rights of Occupancy in Abuja.

According to legal experts who spoke with Akahi News, the cited provisions legally empower the FCTA to revoke property titles when holders fail to meet statutory obligations or breach occupancy terms.

Final 14-Day Grace Period Expired on November 25

The statement further revealed that the Minister approved the commencement of enforcement only after the expiration of a final 14-day grace period, which elapsed on 25 November 2025.
This final window, Akahi News gathered, was designed to give defaulting property owners one last chance to clear their debts before enforcement officers moved in.

Following its expiration, FCTA departments — including the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS), the Department of Development Control, and other enforcement units — were authorised to begin reclaiming affected sites.

Implications for Property Owners and the Abuja Real Estate Market

Estate observers told Akahi News that the revocation of over 1,000 titles may significantly reshape Abuja’s real estate landscape. Many of the affected properties, located in highly coveted districts, may be reallocated for public-interest projects or passed on to compliant developers.

Analysts believe the crackdown underscores the FCTA’s increasing focus on revenue mobilisation, transparency, and efficient land management in line with national reforms.

Some residents expressed mixed feelings. While some commended the government for enforcing discipline, others urged the administration to consider phased settlement plans for struggling homeowners.

What Comes Next?

With enforcement now underway, property owners whose buildings or plots fall within the affected lists will face:

• Eviction
• Repossession of land
• Demolition in cases of illegal development
• Loss of Right of Occupancy
• Penalties for prior violations

FCTA officials told Akahi News that the exercise will continue until all revoked properties are fully reclaimed.

The administration reiterated its position that Abuja — being a planned federal capital — must not be allowed to slide into lawlessness or revenue leakages.

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
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