NO MORE GRACE AS FCTA MOVES TO SEAL PROPERTIES OF LAND FEE DEFAULTERS

By: Wisdom Acka

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced a major clampdown on property owners who have failed to settle their outstanding Ground Rent, Land Use Conversion fees, and other statutory charges.

In a stern statement issued on Thursday, 20th November 2025, by the Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and social media, Lere Olayinka, the FCTA declared that enforcement actions will commence on Wednesday, 26th November 2025, targeting defaulters across high-brow districts such as Asokoro, Maitama, Garki, and Wuse.

Recall that the FCT Administration had earlier granted multiple grace periods, including a 14-day ultimatum in May 2025, following President Bola Tinubu’s intervention. Despite repeated reminders, published in major newspapers and broadcast on radio and television, many property owners remain in default.

The press release reveals that the FCT Administration’s enforcement team will seal properties of defaulters, pursue legal actions against those who fail to regularize their documents, and target buyers of unregistered properties who have not obtained the mandatory Minister’s Consent or registered their Deeds of Assignment.

Abuja Digest gathers that land use conversion violators are expected to pay a five-million-naira penalty, with a final 14-day extension ending on Monday, 24th November 2025.

The press release explains that the move is aimed at shoring up FCTA’s revenue compliance and urban planning discipline, adding that with Abuja’s rapid expansion, unchecked land use violations and unpaid fees will continue to strain infrastructure and legal frameworks.