The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced that it will start sealing off and revoking the titles of properties owned by people who have not paid key land fees in Abuja from next week, the administration said on Thursday, January 15, 2026.
The action aims to make property owners pay ground rent, Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) fees and land‑use conversion charges that are overdue.
The decision was confirmed by Chijioke Nwankwoeze, Director of Land Administration at the FCTA, after the first FCT Executive Council meeting of 2026, chaired by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, in Abuja.
He said the enforcement will involve legal actions including revoking titles and sealing properties that remain in default.
Nwankwoeze said many properties reviewed by the FCTA were originally allocated for residential use but were changed to commercial use without paying the required fees or following proper procedures.
He explained that although some titles were reviewed and approved in line with planning rules, many owners have still not paid the applicable charges.
The authorities highlighted several areas where defaults were found, including Aminu Kano Crescent, Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse 2 and parts of Garki Areas 7 and 8.
The FCTA said it had issued public notices in newspapers, on social media and in electronic media, calling on property owners to pay what they owe, but compliance has been low.
Nwankwoeze told journalists that the enforcement effort is important for raising revenue needed to maintain and improve infrastructure in Abuja. He said owners who have outstanding liabilities for ground rent, C of O payments and conversion fees should act quickly or face enforcement measures.
The FCTA’s move follows similar enforcement actions in 2025, when it revoked and began enforcement on the titles of more than 1,000 properties in the territory over unpaid land‑related obligations.
Officials said the enforcement measures are automatic and will affect individuals, corporate entities and government bodies alike.
Nwankwoeze stressed that no one will be exempt from compliance requirements and called on defaulters to visit the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) or the Land Administration Department to settle their debts.
Property owners in default are advised to clear outstanding ground rents, C of O bills and conversion fees before the enforcement begins. The FCTA has reiterated that enforcement will start next week as approved by the FCT Executive Council.
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