BREAKING: Tinubu halts Wike’s property seizure, grants Two-Week grace to defaulters

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has intervened to stop the ongoing property seizures in Abuja, carried out by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) under Minister Nyesom Wike, over unpaid ground rent.

On Monday, FCTA officials had sealed off several properties across the city, reportedly including those belonging to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a move that triggered public outrage.

Reacting swiftly, President Tinubu suspended the enforcement exercise and directed that affected property owners be given a 14-day grace period to settle their outstanding bills.

Confirming this development, the Director of Land Administration for the FCT, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, stated in a notice:

“Today, May 26, 2025, we commenced enforcement on the 4,794 properties revoked for non-payment of Ground Rent, from 10 to 43 years. Properties owned by government agencies, corporate organisations, and private individuals were affected, demonstrating the FCTA’s resolve to enforce regulations without discrimination.

However, following Mr. President’s intervention, holders of the affected properties now have 14 days to clear their outstanding ground rents along with prescribed penalties.”

According to the statement, defaulters in the Central Area will pay a N5 million penalty in addition to their debt, while those in Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, and Guzape are to pay N3 million. Defaulters in Wuse I, Garki I, and Garki II will pay N2 million.

The statement further warned property buyers who have yet to secure a mandatory Minister’s Consent and register their Deeds of Assignment to do so within the same 14-day window.

Additionally, the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, has also granted a two-week grace period for all property holders in the FCT to settle their Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) and Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills, or risk revocation of their titles.

The minister reminded property owners to keep up with all required payments and fees to support the government’s developmental projects for residents of the capital.