By Esther Ososanya
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has directed officials to produce the list of ground rent defaulters for immediate enforcement action, warning that the grace period granted earlier in the year has long expired.
Speaking in Abuja during the inauguration of a committee on the abuse of the Land Use Act in the FCT, Wike said it was time to act against those who have refused to meet their obligations despite repeated notices.
Earlier this year, the FCT Administration (FCTA) had begun sealing properties of owners who failed to pay ground rent.
The exercise sparked public outcry, prompting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and direct the minister to grant defaulters a two-week grace period, a deadline that has since lapsed by several months.
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On June 2, the FCTA published a demand notice for the payment of outstanding ground rent covering the period from 2014 to 2024.
Despite the notice, Wike said many property owners have failed to comply and warned that sanctions — including the sealing of properties — would now proceed without further delay.
“The two weeks given by Mr President have since passed. This is now a matter of enforcement,” the minister declared.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
