FCT Extends Deadline for Ground Rent Payments in Abuja. The Minister of FCT Nyesom Wike, has extended the deadline for ground rent payments owed by land allottees in Abuja until December 14, 2023, following the expiration of the previous cutoff.
In September, the FCT Administration published a list of land titles held by individuals, corporations, and government bodies, emphasizing their obligation to pay ground rent annually, in line with the stipulations in their Certificates of Occupancy.
The publication, authorized by FCTA Permanent Secretary Olusade Adesola, urged debtors to settle their dues “within two weeks from the date of publication,” cautioning that failure to comply could result in the revocation of their titles.
Minister Nyesom Wike had previously highlighted the repercussions of non-payment, emphasizing that action would be taken contrary to assumptions that the ground rent directive was an idle threat.
However, Muhammad Sule, the FCT Director of Information, confirmed on Sunday that the minister had extended the payment deadline until December 14. Sule emphasized that the initial deadline had set the stage for potential sanctions.
Sule also shared that the FCT Administration anticipated revenue of over N30 billion from the settlement of ground debts in the territory.
“The FCTA seeks to remind the public of the final notice issued for the settlement of outstanding ground rents. The grace period has now concluded, paving the way for the imposition of sanctions,” stated Sule.
“In light of the continued response from affected allottees and to avoid disenfranchising those awaiting ground rent bills and willing to pay, the Minister of the FCT has generously granted additional time from the expiration of the final notice to December 14, 2023.”
“The administration anticipates a revenue of over N30 billion from ground rent payments.”
