By Sarah NEGEDU
A total of 8,375 property owners in the Federal Capital Territory have defaulted on their Ground Rent obligations in the last 43 years, the FCTAdministration has disclosed.
According to the Media Aide to the FCT Minister, Lere Olayinka, and the Director of Lands, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, the concerned plots are concentrated in the Central Area, Garki I and II, Wuse I and II, Asokoro, Maitama and Guzape districts.
Speaking at press briefing on Monday, Lere said the debtors owe a cumulative N6,967,980,119, between them, despite the several notices given for them to pay up their debts since 2023.
Consequently, he said 4,794 land titles have been revoked over non-payment of Ground Rents, for more than 40 years.
“As at the end of 2024 and up till today, a total of N6,967,980,119 is owed as Ground Rent by 8,375 property owners. In other words, a total of 8,375 property owners have not paid Ground Rent up to last year, 2024.
“A total of 4,794 land titles are in default of Ground rent payment for 10 years and above. Meaning that in the listed districts, 4,794 property owners have not paid Ground Rent in the last 10 years.
“This is in contravention of the terms and conditions of grant of the Rights of Occupancy, in line with the provisions of Section 28, Subsections 5(a) and (b) of the Land Use Act.
“Consequently, the titles of the properties in default of payment of Ground Rent for 10 years and above have been revoked forthwith.
“A grace of 21 Days is also given to title holders that are in default of payment of Ground Rent for between one and ten years, after which the affected tittles will be revoked.”
The FCTA has made numerous publications on national dailies calling on defaulters to pay up all outstanding bills and ground rents, yet several allottees failed to pay.
A list of land titles in default of payment of ground rent have been compiled in the ten oldest districts of Phase 1 of the Federal Capital City FCC. They are; Central Area District (Cadastral Zone A00), Garki I (Cadastral Zone A01), Wuse I (Cadastral Zone A02), Garki II (Cadastral Zone A03), Asokoro (Cadastral Zone A04), Maitama (Cadastral Zone A05), Maitama (Cadastral Zone A06), Wuse II (Cadastral Zone A07), Wuse II (Cadastral Zone A08) and Guzape (Cadastral Zone A09).
Payment of ground rent on landed properties in the FCT is founded on extant legislation. It is stipulated in the terms and conditions of grant of Right of Occupancy, and it is due for payment on the first day of January, each year.
