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President Tinubu has ordered FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to halt the controversial sealing of 4,794 properties, including the PDP secretariat and key federal institutions, over unpaid ground rent.
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The decision comes amid mounting backlash, with critics accusing the move of targeting opposition strongholds under the guise of land revocation.
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A 14-day grace period has been granted to defaulters to settle debts and regularize land documents, or risk permanent revocation and heavy penalties.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered an immediate halt to the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s mass sealing of 4,794 properties in Abuja, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretariat and other prominent public and private establishments, following a wave of political backlash and public concern.
The suspension, announced just hours after FCTA enforcement officers began locking down properties for long-term non-payment of ground rent, follows accusations that the move was politically motivated and targeted key opposition institutions. In response, Tinubu granted a 14-day grace period for all affected entities to clear outstanding payments and validate their land documentation.
The mass action initiated by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike targeted property owners who had defaulted on ground rent for decades—some for over 40 years. Affected establishments include the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), and state governments such as Borno and Kaduna.
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“The properties were sealed in line with the revocation of 4,794 land titles approved in March by the FCT Minister due to non-compliance with ground rent payments,” said Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister.
Critics quickly labelled the mass revocation as a veiled attack on opposition strongholds, prompting an emergency intervention from the Presidency. President Tinubu’s order not only paused further actions but extended the deadline by two weeks for defaulters to make payments and regularize their legal status.
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“All those who purchased properties from others but are yet to obtain the Minister’s Consent or register their Deeds of Assignment must do so within 14 days,” the FCT Ministry stated.
The Ministry imposed strict financial penalties in addition to the overdue ground rent. Properties located in the Central Area will incur a penalty of N5 million; those in Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, and Guzape will pay N3 million; while owners in Wuse I, Garki I, and Garki II are to pay N2 million.
“Going forward, the Minister advises all property owners in the FCT to ensure that they pay all necessary bills and charges on time,” Olayinka emphasized. “This is to enable the government carry out necessary developmental projects for the benefit of the people.”
Wike has now issued a 14-day grace period to all title holders, warning that failure to comply will result in permanent revocation of the affected land titles. With the Presidency now involved, the issue has become a litmus test for balancing fiscal responsibility with political neutrality in urban governance.
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