Abuja, Nigeria – June 2025
Hundreds of property owners in Abuja have crowded the offices of the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) in a last minute effort to settle outstanding ground rent payments before the government’s final deadline.
The rush follows a stern warning from the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), which earlier revoked over 4,700 land titles due to non-payment some of the debts dating back more than 40 years. The total amount owed is estimated at nearly ₦7 billion.
Initially, the FCTA issued a two-week ultimatum for defaulters to pay up or risk losing their land titles permanently. Although the deadline was extended to January 3, 2025, officials have made it clear that no further grace period will be granted.
Affected properties include high-value plots in areas such as Maitama, Asokoro, Guzape, and Wuse. The government’s enforcement drive has triggered widespread concern among landowners, many of whom have been flocking to AGIS offices to avoid losing their property.
“We’re not taking chances,” said one property owner waiting in line. “This is about protecting our investment.”
The FCTA says the crackdown is part of a broader effort to enforce land use regulations and recover long overdue public revenue.
