Tinubu Puts Brakes on Wike’s Property Crackdown in Abuja — Defaulters Get 14 Days to Settle Bills

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stepped in to pause the sweeping sealing and revocation of properties linked to ground rent arrears in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The affected property owners now have a two-week window to clear their outstanding dues and update their documentation, officials confirmed on Monday night in Abuja.

Mr. Chijioke Nwankwoeze, Director of Land Administration in the FCT, revealed that enforcement actions began on May 26, targeting nearly 4,800 properties with arrears stretching from 10 up to 43 years.

This grace period also covers those who have bought properties but haven’t completed mandatory registrations, including obtaining Minister’s Consent and registering their Deeds of Assignment. These owners must finalize their paperwork within the 14-day timeframe at the FCT Department of Land Administration.

Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, the FCT Minister, reiterated the deadline, urging property holders to pay their Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) and Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills promptly to avoid losing their titles.

“Since May 26, enforcement began on 4,794 properties with long-standing unpaid ground rent,” Wike said. “These include properties owned by government bodies, corporations, and individuals. This process reflects our commitment to fair and firm administration.”

Thanks to President Tinubu’s intervention, the affected owners now have a 14-day window to settle all arrears, including penalties. The penalties vary by district: N5 million for Central Area properties, N3 million for Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, and Guzape, and N2 million for Wuse I, Garki I, and Garki II.

Wike stressed that going forward, timely payment of all property charges is crucial for the government to sustain development projects across the territory.

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