Abuja, Nigeria – March 17, 2025 – In a bold move to enforce compliance with land regulations, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revoked 4,794 land titles in Abuja due to non-payment of ground rent for over 40 years.
The announcement was made by the FCT Administration (FCTA), which stated that the affected landowners failed to meet their statutory obligations despite multiple warnings. The decision aligns with the provisions of the Land Use Act of 1978, empowering the minister to reclaim land from defaulters.
Speaking on the revocation, Minister Wike emphasized the importance of financial discipline in land administration, noting that many prime plots had been occupied for decades without proper payments.
“This administration will not tolerate a situation where individuals and organizations hold onto land without fulfilling their financial commitments,” Wike said. “For over 40 years, these lands have remained in violation, and we are taking necessary actions to restore accountability.”
The revoked land titles reportedly include properties belonging to prominent individuals, corporate entities, and organizations that have defaulted on their statutory payments. While the FCTA has not yet released the full list, sources suggest that some high-ranking officials and influential businessmen are among those affected.
In addition to the mass revocation, the FCTA has given a two-week ultimatum to other defaulters to clear their outstanding payments or risk losing their land rights. The administration has warned that this exercise is only the beginning of a broader effort to sanitize land administration in Abuja.
The decision has sparked mixed reactions. While some citizens commend the government for enforcing land laws, others argue that certain individuals and businesses may have been unfairly affected. Legal experts anticipate a wave of lawsuits as some landowners challenge the revocation.
The FCTA has urged affected individuals to approach the appropriate authorities for clarifications or settlement options. However, it remains unclear whether there will be room for reconsideration.
This marks one of the most aggressive land recovery moves in recent FCT history, signaling a shift towards stricter enforcement of land policies.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
