FCTA Set To Begin Enforcement On Land Fee Defaulters Next Week

The Federal Capital Territory Administration will begin strict enforcement on land-related fee defaulters from Wednesday, November 26, 2025.

The action will target those who have failed to pay Ground Rent, Land Use Change or Conversion fees, as well as outstanding Right of Occupancy and Certificate of Occupancy bills.

Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications to the FCT Minister, announced the move in a statement on Thursday.

Earlier in May, President Bola Tinubu intervened in the growing backlog of unpaid ground rent. Following that intervention, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike granted a 14-day grace period for all defaulters to clear their debts with penalties included. That grace period ended on June 9, 2025.

The administration also issued multiple public notices in September across newspapers and online platforms, informing property owners of the reviewed Land Use and Purpose Clause. They were given 30 days to pay the ₦5 million violation penalty and other fees associated with land use conversion.

A separate notice targeted property owners in Asokoro, Maitama, Garki, and Wuse, offering them one final 14-day extension to comply with approved land-use terms. That deadline expires on Monday, November 24, 2025.

With all grace periods now lapsed, the FCTA will begin full enforcement next week. The operation will cover all categories of defaulters, including individuals who purchased properties but have not regularized their ownership by securing the Minister’s Consent and registering their Deeds of Assignment.

The administration says the enforcement is part of its wider push to ensure proper land management, eliminate violations, and boost revenue for public infrastructure in the capital.