The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has extended the deadline for the payment of ground rents in Abuja. The new deadline, set for December 14, 2023, comes after the expiration of the initial deadline given to land allottees to settle their ground rent obligations.
The FCT Administration had earlier published the land titles of individuals, corporate organizations, and government agencies, reminding them of their obligation to pay ground rent on January 1 every year, as stated in their Certificates of Occupancy. The publication warned that failure to pay within two weeks from the date of publication could lead to the revocation of titles.
Minister Nyesom Wike had emphasized the consequences of non-payment, stating that “something will surely happen” contrary to the assumption that the directive was an empty threat.
The FCT Director of Information, Muhammad Sule, announced the extension of the deadline and revealed that the FCT Administration expects to generate about N30 billion from the payment of ground rent debts in the territory.
This extension provides additional time for allottees to settle their ground rent bills and aligns with the FCT’s efforts to encourage compliance while ensuring the generation of revenue for the administration.