By Daniel Tyokua
President Bola Tinubu, has waded into the sealing of properties whose owners have failed to pay ground rent for several years, asking FCT Administration to grant two weeks grace to the defaulters.
Tinubu’s intervention came on the heels of the commencement of an enforcement by officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Monday.
Officials of the FCT Administration had begun taking over of the 4,794 properties revoked for non-payment of ground rent, from 10 to 43 years. Both properties owed by government institutions, corporate organisations and individuals are affected.
Speaking at a press briefing late Monday,
Director of Lands in FCT, Mr. Chijioke Nwankwoeze, said for properties in the Central Area, the sum of N5 million will be paid by the defaulters as penalty, in addition to the ground rent owed.
He said those in Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, and Guzape Districts will pay the sum of N3 million as penalty, while defaulters in Wuse I, Garki I and Garki II will pay N2 million as penalty, all in addition to the Ground Rent owed.
Nwakwoeze, said all those who bought properties from other people, but are yet to register their interests by obtaining the mandatory Minister’s Consent and registering their Deeds of Assignment have been given 14 days to do so, at the FCT Department of Land Administration.
The Director revealed that the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, has granted a 14 day grace period to all property owners in to pay off their Right of Occupancy (R-of-O)/Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills, or risk revocation of those titles.
“Going forward, the Minister has advised property owners in the FCT to ensure that they pay all necessary bills and charges on their properties as at and when due, so as to enable the government to continue to carry out necessary developmental projects for the benefit of the people.” said Nwakwoeze.
