By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) says it will begin taking possession of the 4,794 revoked properties over non-payment of ground rent between 10 and 43 years on Monday.

Mr Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and Social Media disclosed this at a news conference in Abuja on Friday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the FCTA had on March 17 announced the revocation of the 4,794 land titles over non-payment of ground rent for more than 10 years.

The Administration explained that the action contravened the terms and conditions of grant of the Rights of Occupancy, in line with the provisions of Section 28, Subsections 5(a) and (b) of the Land Use Act.

The FCT, however, gave 21-day grace to title holders, who defaulted in payment of ground rent for between one and 10 years, after which the affected titles would be revoked.

On March 19, the FCTA further announced its decision to take possession of properties built on 4,794 revoked titles in due course.

Olayinka told journalists at the press conference that the 4,794 properties were among the 8,375 property owners owing the FCT Administration N6.97 billion as ground rent.

He said that the revoked titles were located in the Central Area, Garki I and II, Wuse I and II, Asokoro, Maitama and Guzape Districts.

He explained that the properties had already reverted to the FCTA, adding that from Monday, the FCTA would begin exercising its rights of ownership on the affected landed properties.

“As usual, this will be done without consideration as to ownership of the affected landed properties. It will be purely in line with extant laws and regulations guiding the process.

“It is important to state that payment of Ground Rent on landed properties in the FCT is founded on extant legislation.

“It is clearly stipulated in the terms and conditions of grant of Right of Occupancy, and it is due for payment on the first day of January, each year, without demand,” he said.

Also, Director of Development Control, Mr Mukhtar Galadima, explained that the affected properties would be sealed and access restricted beginning from Monday.

Galadima added that the FCTA would decide what to do with the affected properties after taking possession in due course.

On his part, the Director of Land, FCTA, Mr Chijioke Nwankwoeze, explained that the FCTA was compiling records of compliance to the 21-day grace given to those who defaulted for 10 years and below.

Nwankwoeze said that the FCTA would act accordingly, as soon as the records were fully compiled and analysed.

Responding to claims that some affected persons have taken the matter to court, the director said that there was no court decision on the revocation.

“As such, the FCTA is not restricted in the discharge of its lawful functions on the affected properties,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru