The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced plans to commence the takeover of 4,794 properties, including high-profile assets linked to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national secretariat, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), starting Monday, May 26, 2025.
The move follows the revocation of land titles due to non-payment of ground rent, some dating back over 40 years, in a sweeping enforcement of land administration laws in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The FCTA, under the leadership of Minister Nyesom Wike, disclosed that the affected properties, located in prime districts such as Central Area, Garki I and II, Wuse I and II, Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape, have reverted to the FCTA’s ownership.
Mukhtar Galadima, Director of Development Control, stated that starting Monday, these properties will be sealed off, with access restricted, as the FCTA exercises its lawful rights.
“This action is in line with extant laws and regulations, specifically Section 28, Subsections 5(a) and (b) of the Land Use Act, which mandates payment of ground rent,” Galadima explained.
The revocation, approved in March 2025, targets properties with outstanding ground rent arrears ranging from 10 to 43 years, totaling ₦6.97 billion.
Among the affected entities are government institutions like the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), National Universities Commission (NUC), and private entities like CONOIL Plc and M.R.S Investment Company Limited.
The PDP’s property in the Central Area, owing ₦7.6 million for 20 years of unpaid ground rent, is part of the list, though the Wadata Plaza, its current headquarters in Wuse Zone 5, belongs to a private owner, Senator Samaila Mamman Kurfi, who owes ₦2.84 million for 28 years.
FCTA’s Director of Lands, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, emphasized that the exercise is not politically motivated, despite criticisms from PDP chieftains like Bode George, who described the revocation as a “declaration of war” against the party.
Nwankwoeze clarified, “The PDP is just one of 4,794 affected title holders. The process is purely administrative, based on non-compliance with ground rent obligations.”
He noted that multiple notices were issued since 2023, urging defaulters to settle their debts, but many, including prominent institutions, failed to comply.
Lere Olayinka, Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, defended the minister, stating that the PDP’s failure to pay ground rent for two decades necessitated the revocation.
“Should the FCTA treat the PDP differently from other defaulters like the CBN or NNPC?” Olayinka questioned, dismissing claims of bias.
He further highlighted that the exercise aims to boost the FCT’s internally generated revenue for infrastructure development.
The FCTA has also addressed rumors of legal challenges, with Nwankwoeze confirming that no court ruling currently prevents the takeover.
Meanwhile, a 21-day grace period was granted to title holders with arrears between one and ten years to settle their debts, and the FCTA is compiling records to determine further actions.
The takeover has sparked debates, with some stakeholders arguing it could disrupt operations of critical institutions like INEC and CBN, while others commend the FCTA’s commitment to enforcing land laws.
As Monday approaches, the FCTA has mobilized relevant agencies to seal the properties, leaving the future of these high-profile assets uncertain.
Contact for Further Information:
Federal Capital Territory Administration, Abuja
Director of Lands, Chijioke Nwankwoeze
[Insert official FCTA contact details if available]
Federal Capital Territory Administration, Abuja
Director of Lands, Chijioke Nwankwoeze
[Insert official FCTA contact details if available]
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