The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), under the directive of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has revoked 1,095 property titles across Abuja and commenced immediate enforcement operations after owners failed to settle mandatory land charges.
According to the public notice issued by the administration, the affected titles span premium locations such as Asokoro, Maitama, Garki and Wuse, reinforcing the government’s renewed commitment to revenue recovery and regulatory compliance.
Out of the 1,095 revoked titles, 835 were cancelled for persistent non-payment of ground rent, while 260 were linked to defaults on Certificate-of-Occupancy (C-of-O) bills, land-use conversion fees, penalty charges and other statutory obligations.
FCTA officials stated that enforcement teams will continue operations throughout the affected districts until all reclaimed properties have been secured.
The FCTA revealed that the decision followed months of repeated notices, warnings and a final 14-day ultimatum issued in November 2025. Property owners were asked to clear outstanding fees imposed under the Land Use Act the legal framework governing land administration in Nigeria.
Authorities explained that several of the affected owners had accumulated land-related debts for many years, with some owing ground rent for more than a decade.
The administration said it had exhausted all channels of communication before proceeding with the mass revocation.
This latest action is part of an ongoing compliance campaign introduced by Minister Nyesom Wike. Earlier in the year, the FCTA had revoked nearly 4,800 property titles for long-term default, some stretching back 10–40 years.
At the time, the administration said over 8,000 property owners owed several billions of naira, weakening Abuja’s revenue base and obstructing the city’s development planning.
Wike has repeatedly emphasised that Abuja must operate like other global capital cities—where land tenure is closely tied to compliance with regulations, timely payments, and proper documentation.
Implications for Property Owners and the Real Estate Market
1. Loss of Ownership Rights:The revocation strips owners of legal rights to the affected properties, returning the land to the government regardless of existing developments.
2. Enforcement and Repossession:FCTA task teams have begun sealing properties, issuing removal notices to occupants, and taking physical possession of reclaimed lands.
3. Impact on Real Estate Confidence:The decision may trigger caution among investors, who now see stricter oversight and heightened risk of title loss for non-compliance.
4. Boost to Government Revenue:The FCT administration expects the move to improve revenue inflow as remaining property owners rush to avoid sanctions.
The administration cautioned that any property owner who fails to settle outstanding ground rent, C-of-O fees or land-use charges will face similar revocation without further warning.
Officials also urged residents to verify their land documents, ensure payments are up to date and avoid falling victim to fraud or misinformation.
The revocation of 1,095 property titles signals Abuja’s toughest stance yet on land-charge defaulters. For many, it is a wake-up call that the FCT is enforcing the law without compromise. For others, especially investors and estate developers, it marks a new era of accountability, transparency and regulatory enforcement in the nation’s capital.
