President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on residents and business owners in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to fulfil their civic responsibilities by paying taxes, land charges and ground rents, saying compliance would enable the government to deliver more infrastructure projects across Abuja.

Tinubu made the appeal on Wednesday during the commissioning of the full-scope development of Arterial Road N5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way), which stretches from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III in Dape District, Abuja.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President said sustainable infrastructure development depends on a strong partnership between government and citizens.

“To the residents and business owners enjoying this transformation, I urge you to meet your obligations. Pay your taxes. Clear your land fees and ground rents. Your compliance gives the FCT Administration the strength to build more roads like this one,” he said.

Tinubu described the newly completed road as a strategic economic corridor that would ease traffic congestion, improve connectivity and stimulate investment within the nation’s capital.

The President recalled that the Gwarinpa I District section of the road was commissioned in June 2025 and noted that his administration had fulfilled its promise to complete the remaining section.

“On that day, we made a pledge to you. We promised not to leave this vital artery half-done. Because the Renewed Hope Agenda is not about abandoned projects; it is about delivery from start to finish.

“And so today, we are back. We are back to close the circle. We are back to commission the Dape District Section of Arterial Road N5, from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III,” he stated.

According to the President, the project was conceived, funded and completed under his administration after it was awarded to Julius Berger Plc and flagged off in October 2024 with a 15-month completion timeline.

Tinubu commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for driving infrastructure delivery in the territory.

He described Wike as the administration’s “Engine of Execution” and praised Julius Berger for completing the project within schedule.

“Minister Wike, you and your team have shown what happens when political will meets accountability. We fund projects to see results, not to listen to grammar,” the President said.

He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to completing critical infrastructure projects under the Renewed Hope Agenda to improve mobility, boost economic activities and enhance the quality of life of residents.

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The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has ratified infrastructure projects valued at about ₦11.5 billion and approved fresh enforcement actions against land and property owners violating development regulations across Abuja.

The approvals were reached on Monday when the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, presided over the first FCTA Executive Committee (Exco) meeting of 2026, marking the formal start of the administration’s activities for the year.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Chief of Staff to the FCT Minister, Chidi Amadi, said the Exco considered and approved five key memoranda aimed at sustaining infrastructure development, improving service delivery and strengthening revenue generation in the nation’s capital.

Amadi described the meeting as strategic, noting that it brought together senior officials of the administration, including the Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), the Mandate Secretary for Education, the Chairman of the FCT Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) and the Director of Land Administration.

On education, the Mandate Secretary for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, disclosed that the Exco approved a ₦62 million contract for facility management services at the Korea Model School, Abuja. He explained that the school, established through a partnership between the Korean Government and the Universal Basic Education Commission, was handed over to the FCTA in 2019 to serve as a model for basic education. The approved contract will cover facility and management services for one year.

The Executive Secretary of FCDA, Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda, announced that the council ratified three major infrastructure projects that had earlier been executed on an emergency basis. These include the rehabilitation and resurfacing of internal roads within the Presidential Villa, carried out by Julius Berger Plc after the roads, in use for over three decades, developed severe surface failures.

Dauda also confirmed the ratification of the Kabusa–Ketti Road project, which had become a major security concern due to its deplorable state. The road, awarded in late 2024 and commissioned in June 2025, was completed at a final contract sum of ₦9.8 billion.

In addition, the Exco approved the emergency erosion control works and restoration of critical water pipelines supplying Abuja from the Lower Usuma Dam. The intervention, executed by SCC Nigeria Limited at a cost of about ₦1.7 billion, was undertaken to avert a potential collapse of water supply to the city.

On land administration, the Director of Land Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, said the Exco reviewed compliance levels on ground rent payments, Certificates of Occupancy and land use conversion fees, and approved strict enforcement measures against defaulters.

He recalled that in 2025, the FCTA identified widespread violations where properties allocated for residential use in areas such as Aminu Kano Crescent, Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, and parts of Garki Areas 7 and 8 were illegally converted to commercial purposes. Although some conversions were later approved after planning assessments, Nwankwoeze said many property owners failed to pay the required statutory fees.

“As a result, council has approved enforcement actions to commence from next week. These may include revocation of titles, sealing of properties and other lawful measures. There will be no exemptions,” he said, adding that the exercise would cover Phase One and Phase Two districts and apply to individuals, corporate bodies and government institutions.

The Chairman of FCT-IRS, Michael Ango, emphasized that improved revenue compliance remains critical to funding infrastructure and public services in Abuja. He urged residents and property owners to regularize their payments, warning that enforcement would continue where defaults persist.

The FCTA said the decisions align with the broader vision of President Bola Tinubu and Minister Wike to build a well-planned, financially sustainable and globally competitive federal capital city.

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The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced plans to begin a large-scale enforcement operation next week against property owners defaulting on ground rents, Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) payments, and land use conversion fees across Abuja.

The move follows the first FCTA Executive Council meeting of 2026, chaired by Minister Nyesom Wike, where officials resolved to intensify action on revenue recovery and land compliance.

Director of Land Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, said the operation will involve sealing off properties and revoking titles of defaulters, especially those who have illegally converted residential properties into commercial use without proper authorisation or payment of required charges.

According to Nwankwoeze, the enforcement will focus on high-value areas such as Aminu Kano Crescent, Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent in Wuse, and parts of Garki Areas 7 and 8.

“Land was given for residential purposes, but you converted it to a bank. You are collecting money from banks every day, but you don’t want to pay the FCTA its due,” Nwankwoeze stated.

He added that ground rents for commercial properties differ significantly from residential rates, noting that owners must regularize their property use by paying conversion fees and adjusted annual rents.

“There will be no sacred cows in Phase 1 and 2,” he warned.

The director also revealed that the 2026 enforcement will be broader in scope than the 2025 exercise, which focused mainly on defaulting property owners who failed to pay ground rents.

He explained that despite the administration’s decision to formalize certain conversions in accordance with Abuja’s urban planning standards, many titleholders have continued to ignore the payment requirements.

The FCTA reiterated its commitment to restoring order, enforcing compliance, and boosting internally generated revenue through strict adherence to land administration laws.

The post FCTA to Seal, Revoke Properties Over Unpaid Ground Rents and C-of-O Fees appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced that it will launch a major enforcement exercise on November 26, 2025, targeting property owners who have failed to settle statutory fees, including ground rent, land use change charges, conversion fees, and Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) as well as Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills.

The announcement was made in a statement on Thursday by Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

Why the Crackdown Is Coming

According to Olayinka, defaulters include residents who have not paid required dues or those who purchased properties but have not regularised their ownership by obtaining the Minister’s consent and registering their deeds of assignment.

He noted that after President Bola Tinubu intervened in May 2025, Minister Wike granted a 14-day grace period for payment of outstanding ground rent and penalties. Additional notices were issued on September 8–10, 2025, outlining revised land-use clauses within the FCT.

Multiple Warnings Already Issued

Olayinka explained that several public notices were published in national newspapers, online platforms, radio, and television, giving a 30-day deadline for payment of violation fees—including a ₦5 million penalty for land-use change or conversion infractions.

A final warning was later issued to property owners in Asokoro, Maitama, Garki, and Wuse, giving them 14 days to comply with approved land-use terms.

Full Enforcement Starts November 26

“Beginning Wednesday, November 26, 2025, the FCTA will commence strict enforcement against all defaulters of ground rent, land-use change or conversion fees, as well as R-of-O and C-of-O bills,” Olayinka said.

He emphasized that the operation would cover:

• Owners who have not paid statutory charges

• Individuals who bought properties without registering ownership

• Those who failed to obtain the mandatory Minister’s consent

• Property owners who violated approved land-use classifications

The FCTA maintains that the enforcement is necessary to enhance urban management, boost revenue, and ensure compliance with Abuja’s land administration regulations.

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Speaking during the commissioning of the Mabushi–Katampe Collector Road (CN2) on Thursday, Wike clarified that the FCT Administration’s aggressive revenue drive is part of efforts to close funding gaps for capital development. The project, completed ahead of schedule, was inaugurated by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who represented President Bola Tinubu.

Wike noted that while some property owners have raised concerns about the public listing of those owing ground rent, the intention is to ensure accountability and generate revenue to sustain ongoing development.

“Paying ground rent is not about political affiliation or social class. It is about responsibility. The city must survive on internally generated revenue, especially since our federal allocation—just one percent—isn’t enough to cover even salaries,” Wike said.

He added that salaries for the FCT have risen above ₦13 billion, while monthly allocations hover around ₦8 billion, making revenue from property and land essential for sustaining infrastructure projects.

Criticizing the tendency of some affluent Nigerians to evade local taxes, Wike pointed out the contrast in behavior when abroad. “These same individuals pay taxes in London and America without excuses. But here, they resist payment and expect special treatment,” he said.

He emphasized that only wealthy individuals can afford high-value properties in the capital, and as such, they must contribute their fair share toward development. “The houses being built are not for the poor. So let’s be honest—if you can afford land here, you can afford your obligations,” he added.

Wike reaffirmed his resolve to continue publishing the names of defaulters to promote transparency and urged residents to support the FCT’s infrastructure drive.

Also speaking at the event, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu commended Wike for delivering on key projects within budget and ahead of time, describing him as a symbol of efficient governance.

“This project highlights our government’s focus on infrastructure as a driver of national development. We are committed to delivering real impact through transparent and timely project execution,” Kalu said.

He assured citizens that the Tinubu administration would continue to prioritize roads, housing, healthcare, and education as part of its Renewed Hope Agenda.

The newly commissioned CN2 Road connects Mabushi to Katampe and is expected to improve traffic flow and ease movement in the area.

The post Wike: Ground Rent Enforcement Aimed at Development, Not Embarrassment appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The decision, which affects nearly 4,800 properties flagged for non-compliance, comes after the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) launched a widespread enforcement operation against owners who had failed to meet their statutory obligations for up to four decades.

At a media briefing in Abuja, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, Director of Land at the FCTA, confirmed that the enforcement began on May 26, targeting government bodies, companies, and individuals alike.

He revealed that the presidential intervention provides a 14-day window for affected titleholders to regularize their dues, but not without financial consequences. Penalties of up to ₦5 million will be imposed depending on the property’s district:

₦5 million for properties in the Central Business District,

₦3 million for Maitama, Asokoro, Guzape, and Wuse II,

₦2 million for Wuse I, Garki I, and Garki II,
—all in addition to the original outstanding ground rent.

The issue of unregistered property transfers also came under scrutiny. Individuals who acquired properties without updating ownership records have been given the same two-week deadline to obtain Minister’s Consent and properly file their Deeds of Assignment with the FCT Land Administration.

Meanwhile, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has reinforced the administration’s stance, urging all property holders yet to pay their Rights of Occupancy or Certificates of Occupancy to do so within the same 14-day period—or risk revocation.

The FCTA says these measures are crucial for maintaining the integrity of urban planning and funding infrastructure development across the capital city.

“We urge all stakeholders to treat this as a final opportunity. Property owners must begin to take responsibility if we are to sustain the pace of progress in Abuja,” Nwankwoeze stated.

This move marks a turning point in the administration’s land policy, blending enforcement with a final olive branch to restore compliance.

The post Tinubu Halts Mass Land Revocation, Grants 14-Day Grace Period for Abuja Ground Rent Defaulters appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

According to officials, the FIRS facility had failed to settle its statutory ground rent obligations for over 25 years, prompting the drastic action.

In a similar move, the FCTA enforcement team also closed a branch of Access Bank and a Total filling station, both located in the Wuse District. Authorities disclosed that the property housing the bank had not seen any ground rent payments for more than three decades—specifically, 34 years.

This clampdown comes in the wake of a major revenue recovery campaign initiated by the FCTA. In March, the administration revoked the titles of 4,794 properties whose owners had defaulted on ground rent payments for between 10 and 43 years.

The FCTA also issued a 21-day ultimatum to thousands of other property holders with arrears of less than 10 years, warning them to clear their debts or risk similar penalties. As of last Friday, the administration was still reviewing its financial records to identify which defaulters had complied within the grace period.

Officials indicated that repossession of the 4,794 revoked properties would begin in earnest this week.

Regarding the sealed bank facility, it was confirmed to be originally allocated to a private firm, Rana Tahir Furniture Nigeria Limited. It remains unclear whether Access Bank acquired the property from the original allottee or is occupying it on a lease agreement.

The post FCTA Shuts Down FIRS Office, Bank, and Petrol Station Over Longstanding Ground Rent Debts appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Speaking during the annual Estate Surveyors’ Week held in Lagos, the Lagos State chapter chairman, Gbenga Ismail, highlighted the importance of adopting a progressive land management strategy. He emphasized that making land accessible at a minimal initial cost and allowing developers to amortize payments over time would boost housing delivery, while government could still earn steady income through structured ground rent and related charges.

“Land should be made available at marginal cost. Developers can then build gradually, while the government generates revenue through ground rent and other related fees,” Ismail said.

He also raised concerns over the cost of building materials, pointing out that a significant portion of housing finishes are imported—making affordability a challenge. “With over 70 percent of finishing materials being imported, how can the average Nigerian afford a three-bedroom apartment priced at N15 million?” he queried.

On the issue of rental reform, Ismail addressed Lagos State’s proposed shift toward monthly and quarterly rent payment options. While supporting the idea, he cautioned that its success depends on a well-defined legal framework, practical enforcement mechanisms, and proper infrastructure.

“The idea of monthly rent is a step in the right direction, but implementing it requires a cautious and balanced approach. There must be legal clarity, incentives for compliance, and protections for both landlords and tenants,” he advised.

He further suggested that the policy be piloted in government-owned estates before extending it to private developments. According to him, such a phased approach would allow the state to evaluate outcomes and make necessary adjustments.

Ismail reaffirmed the institution’s readiness to work with policymakers in drafting practical legislation that reflects market conditions. “As professionals in the real estate sector, we are open to collaboration to ensure any new rent law is fair, implementable, and beneficial to all stakeholders,” he said.

Reflecting on the progress of the Lagos chapter of NIESV, Ismail noted that the branch has made significant strides over the past two years. These include hosting a real estate summit for industry dialogue, launching a peer review forum, and establishing a capacity-building resource centre to promote continuous professional development.

He also highlighted efforts to expand the professional base by enrolling more qualified estate surveyors and valuers, while ensuring members enhance their skills through mandatory development programs. “These initiatives have positioned Lagos-based estate professionals ahead of their peers in other states, especially in terms of competence and professional confidence,” he added.

The post NIESV Proposes Ground Rent as Sustainable Revenue Source appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Alhaji Sule Enehe, Chairman of Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGSIRS), announced the development during a stakeholders’ engagement in Lokoja.

He stated that enumerators have been deployed across the 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs) to facilitate effective implementation of the law.

The introduction of ground rent is part of tax reforms aimed at enhancing revenue collection, transparency, and fair contributions from stakeholders.

“This law improves revenue collection, promotes transparency, and ensures all stakeholders contribute their fair share to Kogi’s development,” Enehe said.

Previously, KGSIRS collected tenement rates for local governments, but ground rent enforcement had not yet been implemented in the state.

Initiated last year, the Land Use Charge Law is expected to boost Kogi State’s internally generated revenue through effective tax policies.

Enehe urged local government chairmen to support house enumeration teams, ensuring seamless execution and compliance with the newly introduced tax policy.

Mr. Femi Williams, CEO of New Wave Echo System, noted that other states have successfully implemented similar policies for years.

Exemptions under the Land Use Charge Law include government-owned properties, places of worship, schools, healthcare facilities, and traditional rulers’ residences.

Additionally, properties below a legally defined size threshold will also be exempt from paying the newly introduced ground rent tax.

Olamaboro LGA Chairman, Mr. Cosmos Atabo, and Lokoja LGA Chairman, Mr. Abdullahi Adamu, assured full grassroots-level implementation.

The post Kogi Residents to Pay Ground Rent as Part of New Taxation Policy appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Ground rent, a controversial and often opaque tax system levied on landowners, has become a hot topic, especially in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where recent actions by Minister Nyesom Wike, including the revocation of Certificate of Occupancy (C/O) titles from high-profile politicians, have put the issue in the national spotlight. Wike’s actions were a response to the failure of some prominent individuals to pay the tax on their properties, reigniting the debate over the collection process.

Ground rent is essentially a fee paid to the state government by landowners for the use of land, whether developed or undeveloped. While this tax is intended to serve as a key revenue stream for infrastructure development, experts argue that the current system is fraught with inefficiencies, potentially allowing for mismanagement and corruption.

Segun Maku, the CEO of Cipriani Ltd, underscored the need for technological innovation in ground rent collection, suggesting that the existing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) used in various states, including the FCT, should be leveraged for the process. Introduced in 2003, the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS) was designed to streamline land administration and improve transparency. Maku emphasized that if the government truly intends to audit ground rent collection effectively, it must implement a similar digitized system to track payments and monitor any discrepancies.

Speaking on the importance of this audit, real estate expert Musa Baba highlighted the necessity of ensuring that only credible individuals are tasked with carrying out the audit. Baba also stressed the importance of making the results public, arguing that public trust can only be restored by full transparency. He suggested that ground rent has untapped potential to fund much-needed infrastructure improvements, provided the system is revamped to ensure that the revenues collected are properly allocated.

In response to mounting concerns, the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has revealed plans to deploy audit teams across all 36 states and the FCT. Dr. Shuaib Belgore, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, outlined the government’s strategy to conduct comprehensive audits of state properties and land while overseeing the collection of ground rent. During a recent meeting with housing controllers from across the country, Dr. Belgore explained that the task force teams will consist of state controllers, representatives from the federal and state housing authorities, and will be led by the Surveyor-General of the Federation.

Dr. Belgore assured that adequate resources would be provided to ensure the success of the initiative, with a portion of the generated revenue being allocated to fieldwork and audits. He also highlighted the importance of professional oversight, regular field audits, and effective communication to ensure that the task force’s work is both thorough and timely. To ensure that the initiative runs smoothly, Belgore emphasized the need for collaboration, calling for state controllers to work together and execute projects efficiently. He also stressed the importance of hands-on field experience, noting that effective project management is rooted in direct engagement with the areas being audited.

To address the challenges posed by a dwindling workforce, Belgore revealed that the ministry is making plans to recruit new staff and offer training programs to fill the gaps created by retiring personnel. Additionally, he called for the renewal of contracts for facility managers overseeing state projects, in a bid to tackle the growing issue of vandalism in certain regions.

As Nigeria sets its sights on reforming the ground rent system, experts and stakeholders are hopeful that this effort will not only improve the integrity of the process but also bring much-needed revenue into the government’s coffers for critical infrastructure development. With the audit task force now in place and an emphasis on transparency and accountability, the hope is that this initiative will pave the way for a fairer and more efficient system of land taxation in Nigeria.

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