The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is set to seal off properties belonging to owners who have failed to pay their ground rent, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike announced on Monday.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Wike expressed frustration that property owners had ignored a grace period initiated by President Bola Tinubu.
“The President gave a two-week grace period, and it has been more than three months,” Wike stated.
He highlighted what he called a common Nigerian attitude toward regulations.
The former governor of Rivers State confirmed that a programme had just concluded, and his next action would be to seal the properties of non-compliant owners.
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Wike stressed that the government could no longer tolerate a situation where property owners withhold taxes essential for public development.
He pointed out that while the FCTA had followed the President’s directive to extend the payment window, many owners still refused to pay.
The minister preemptively addressed potential criticism, stating he would not be swayed by accusations of being “political” or discouraging investors when the enforcement begins.
“If you have not paid, we are going to seal it up,” he said, reiterating his determination to end the non-compliance.
This is not the first time the FCTA has taken such action.
In May, officials sealed the PDP headquarters and revoked the titles of 4,794 properties due to unpaid ground rent, with some debts dating back over four decades.
The affected properties belonged to various government institutions, corporate organisations, and individuals.
Following Tinubu’s intervention, a 14-day grace period was granted for defaulters to settle their debts and penalties.
