President Bola Tinubu has directed the MInister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike to stay action in the seizure of properties whose owners failed to pay their Ground Rent in the Abuja metropolis.
Wike and the Federal Capital Territory Authority had today started seizing the 4,794 properties whose titles were revoked for the non-payment of Ground rent from 10 to 43 years.
The properties included the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party, which is located at Wuse Zone 5 of the FCT.
The enforcement did not exclude properties owned by government institutions, corporate organisations, and individuals.
Wike said this demonstrated the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s commitment to carrying out its functions without fear favorour.
But he said the President has intervened by asking defaulters to pay up within two weeks.
Even with the intervention, he said property owners will still pay fines.
A statement signed by the Director of Land Administration, FCT, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, listed the categories of the fine to be paid by owners of properties affected by the action.
The statement said, “President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has intervened.
“Therefore, by Mr. President’s intervention, holders of the affected properties now have 14 days to settle the outstanding Ground Rents, with associated penalties.
“For properties in the Central Area, the sum of N5 million will be paid by the defaulters a as penalty, in addition to the Ground Rent owed.
“Those in Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, and Guzape Districts will pay the sum of N3 million a as penalty, in addition to the Ground Rent owed.
“Defaulters in Wuse I, Gark, I I, and Garki II will pay N2 million as a penalty in addition to the Ground Rent owed.
“Also, all those who purchased properties from other people, but are yet to register their interests by obtaining the mandatory Minister’s Consent and registering their Deeds of Assignment now have 14 days to do so at the FCT Department of Land Administration.
“Furthermore, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has granted a 14 days grace period to all property holders in the FCT to pay up their Right of Occupancy (R-of-O)/Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills, or risk revocation of those titles.
“Going forward, the Minister has advised property owners in the FCT to ensure that they pay all necessary bills and charges on their properties as at and when due to enable the government to continue to carry out necessary developmental projects for the benefit of the people.”
