Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), particularly those with long-standing unpaid ground rents, are anxiously awaiting the next steps from the FCT Administration (FCTA) following the expiration of the 14-day grace period granted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The grace period, which ended on Monday, June 16, was provided after the FCTA began revoking over 4,700 properties due to non-payment of ground rents spanning between 10 and 43 years. The revocations had triggered widespread concern, prompting presidential intervention.
Affected property owners were fined between ₦2 million and ₦5 million, depending on the property’s location, in addition to the outstanding rent arrears. Though many have reportedly complied, the FCTA has not issued any official statement regarding the next course of action.
A senior official at the Abuja Geographical Information System (AGIS), who spoke anonymously, confirmed that while payments were still being made, there had been no new directive from higher authorities. The official declined to confirm if major institutions such as the Federal Inland Revenue Service, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Ibro Hotels—previously sealed—had settled their dues.
At the AGIS office, individuals continued to queue to make payments, some acting on behalf of their employers. One man, who confirmed his office was among those sealed, expressed hope of completing the process soon.
Meanwhile, the Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media to the FCT Minister previously noted that all payments were being made via the Remita platform, making it difficult to track real-time compliance.
The sealed properties span a wide range of owners, including individuals, corporate entities, foreign missions, government agencies, and political parties. Notable among the defaulters are the Federal Inland Revenue Service, PDP, the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, 39 foreign embassies, and some properties linked to the Central Bank of Nigeria.
However, a source clarified that foreign embassies would not be sealed, citing protections under international diplomatic conventions. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also confirmed that efforts were underway to resolve embassy-related matters amicably.
As of now, payment continues, and property owners are urged to comply until further instructions are issued by the FCTA.
