Mass Property Revocation Rocks Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory Administration has taken drastic action against property owners in Abuja, with Minister Nyesom Wike approving the revocation of 1,095 properties across the capital city. This sweeping move comes after owners failed to settle outstanding ground rents, land use conversion charges, and Certificate of Occupancy fees within a strict 14-day grace period that expired on Tuesday, November 25, 2025.
Who's Affected by the Revocation?
The Department of Land Administration of the Federal Capital Territory Administration confirmed the enforcement action in an official statement released over the weekend. According to the detailed publication, 835 properties were listed for ground rent default, while another 260 properties fell under land use contravention payment defaults.
The comprehensive list includes surprising names of prominent Nigerians and major institutions. Among those affected are former Chief of Army Staff Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, former First Lady Patience Jonathan, and former Senate President David Mark. The political elite representation extends to former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido, Senator Ali Ndume, and former Osun State deputy governor Senator Iyiola Omisore.
Other notable figures on the revocation list include:
- Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Sulu Gambari
- Professor Bolaji Akinyemi
- Tony Anenih
- Former Minister of Petroleum, Alison Madueke
- Former governors including Abdullahi Ganduje, Adeniyi Adebayo, and Donald Duke
Government Institutions and Corporate Entities Affected
The revocation wave has also swept up major government institutions and corporate organizations. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) finds itself on the list alongside the Nigeria Navy, the Office of the National Security Adviser, and the Federal Ministry of Finance. State governments including Kaduna, Oyo, and Borno States also have properties affected by the minister's decision.
Corporate Nigeria is well represented in the revocation list with major banking institutions and business entities facing the consequences. The affected organizations include:
- First Bank of Nigeria
- Guaranty Trust Bank
- United Bank for Africa
- Zenith Bank
- BUA International Limited
- Niger Delta Development Commission
Legal Basis and Enforcement Process
The FCTA emphasized that the enforcement action followed multiple notices published in national newspapers, online platforms, and television stations urging defaulters to clear their outstanding liabilities. The administration stated that failure to comply constitutes a violation of Section 28, Subsection 5(a) and (b) of the Land Use Act and breaches the terms and conditions of the grants of the respective Rights of Occupancy.
The published revocation details include comprehensive information such as file numbers, plot numbers, cadastral zones, districts, specific amounts owed by each property owner, and the official revocation dates. This transparency aims to provide clear documentation of the enforcement process.
The FCTA has warned that the revocation exercise will continue in line with statutory powers granted under the Land Use Act, signaling that more properties could face similar action if owners fail to meet their financial obligations to the government.
