The Federal Capital Territory Administration has announced that it will begin strict enforcement actions next week against property owners who have failed to pay outstanding ground rent and other statutory land-related charges.

The enforcement, scheduled to start on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, will target defaulters of ground rent, land use change and conversion fees, Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) and Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills. It will also apply to individuals who purchased properties but have not regularised their ownership by obtaining the Minister’s consent and registering their deeds of assignment.

The Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, Lere Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

Multiple Grace Periods Already Granted

Olayinka recalled that on May 26, 2025, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, granted a 14-day grace period for defaulters to settle outstanding ground rent and penalties following the intervention of President Bola Tinubu.

He added that subsequent public notices were issued on September 8, 9, and 10, 2025, in national newspapers and online platforms, informing residents of the revised Land Use/Purpose Clause in the FCT.

These publications gave defaulters 30 days to pay the mandatory ₦5 million penalty and other fees for land use change or conversion.

More recently, another notice granted a final 14-day extension for property owners in Asokoro, Maitama, Garki, and Wuse to comply with the terms and conditions for land use change and conversion.

Full Enforcement to Begin

“Consequently, the FCTA will from Wednesday, November 26, 2025, commence enforcement actions on defaulters of ground rent payment and land use change/conversion fee as well as R-of-O and C-of-O bills,” Olayinka said.

The crackdown will also affect property buyers who have failed to register their interests with the FCTA, a requirement to legally complete ownership transfers within the territory.

Why It Matters

The FCT Administration has repeatedly stressed that non-payment of statutory fees undermines infrastructural development, land administration efficiency, and orderly planning in the capital city.

With several grace periods exhausted and repeated warnings issued, the FCTA says this phase of enforcement will ensure compliance with land regulations and restore discipline in property management across Abuja.