The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has taken a decisive step by revoking the titles of 1,095 properties in highbrow areas of Abuja. This enforcement action follows the expiration of a final grace period for owners to settle outstanding statutory land charges.
Prominent Figures on the Revocation List
The published list features a roster of Nigeria's political elite. Former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, former First Lady Patience Jonathan, and former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke are among the notable names affected.
Other high-profile individuals include former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State Deputy Governor Iyiola Omisore. The FCTA stated that these individuals are linked to properties with long-running defaults on mandatory payments.
Grace Period Expired in November
The administration moved into the enforcement stage after a final 14-day extension granted to all affected property owners lapsed on November 25, 2025. Officials emphasized that this final window followed multiple public notices issued across newspapers, digital platforms, and television stations between May and November 2025.
Of the 1,095 revoked titles, 835 were revoked for default in payment of ground rents. The remaining 260 properties were penalized for unpaid violation fees, land use conversion charges, and other statutory obligations. The FCTA maintains that title holders were repeatedly notified but failed to regularize their records.
Wike's Office Cites Legal Grounds for Action
Defending the move, Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, confirmed the minister approved the enforcement. He stated the administration had provided sufficient opportunity for compliance.
Olayinka noted that the breaches violated Section 28 of the Land Use Act as well as the specific terms attached to the Rights of Occupancy. The enforcement is part of broader reforms to restore order and integrity within the capital's land administration system.
The affected properties are located in prime districts of the Federal Capital Territory, including Asokoro, Maitama, Garki, and Wuse. The FCTA warned that additional sanctions would apply if owners continue to ignore the outstanding charges.
