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| Wike announces sealing of Abuja properties |
He spoke at a press briefing with three top aides: Lere Olayinka, Chijioke Nwankwoeze and Mukhtar Galadima. They said all revoked titles now belong to the FCTA. Olayinka said sealing starts May 26.
In March, the FCTA cancelled 4,794 land titles in key Abuja districts. These include the Central Area, Garki I & II, Wuse I & II, Asokoro, Maitama and Guzape. Owners failed to pay ground rent for one to 43 years. The total debt stood at about ₦6.97 billion.
Law experts note the action rests on Section 28 of the Land Use Act. It allows title revocation for rent default. The FCTA gave a 21-day grace to defaulters. Few paid up, so their titles were revoked.
From May 26, agencies will seal affected sites. They will block access and post “Sealed by FCTA” notices. Later, the FCTA will decide each site’s use. It may lease, sell, or redevelop them.
Officials say courts have not stayed the revocations. So, no property is off-limits. Any owner with a pending suit must get a court order. Otherwise, the FCTA moves in on schedule.
A property lawyer, Dr. Ifeoma Okeke, says the FCTA acted within law. She notes the Land Use Act gives FCTA clear power on ground rent. She adds that the grace period was fair. Owners had notice.
A housing economist, Mr. Musa Bello, warns sudden sealing may hit small landlords hard. He calls for the FCTA to offer a new plan for owners to redeem plots.
An Abuja resident group leader, Mrs. Aisha Abdullahi, says many worried tenants face eviction. She urges FCTA to set up a fund for those in genuine hardship.
The PDP has yet to speak on sealing. But party leaders in March called the revocation “harsh and ill-timed.” They blamed the FCTA for poor public notice. They plan to seek court redress.
PDP chieftain Bode George says Wike crossed a line by revoking a party asset. He claims the party paid fees on time for its secretariat plot. FCTA counters that PDP failed to clear ₦26.9 million ground rent and consent fees.
The revocations hit private homes, firms, and agencies. They include the Nigerian Postal Service, CBN, NNPC, NUC, NDDC and Federal Radio Corp.
Some experts say this move will curb land hoarding and revive revenue for city services. Others worry it may shake investor confidence if FCTA actions seem heavy-handed.
Owners may approach the Federal High Court in Abuja for an injunction. They must show proof of payment or a court order. Without that, seals remain in force.
Lawyer Okeke advises owners to gather title docs and payment records. She says fast legal action could pause sealing until court rules.
The FCTA will finish compiling payment records for all defaulting owners. It wants a clear list of those who paid within grace and those who did not.
Galadima said the list helps ensure no error in sealing. He said FCTA wants a smooth handover of properties.
Olayinka added that FCTA may auction some sites to recover unpaid rent. Others could be set for public-private partnerships.
Many renters worry about sudden eviction. A landlord in Garki said tenants face lock-out without notice. She calls for FCTA to inform tenants first.
Housing rights group DawnSafe asks FCTA to grant tenants a 30-day window before lock-out. This, they say, will ease displacement pains.
On social media, Nigerians debate fairness vs rule of law. Hashtags like #SealThePlots and #ProtectTenantRights trend. Some users praise FCTA for tackling rent defaulters. Others call for mercy for small-scale owners.
As sealing begins, eyes turn to court battles. PDP will likely challenge revocation of its secretariat plot. Small owners may seek stay orders on broader grounds.
The FCTA says it will act firmly but fairly. It has legal backing. But critics warn of reputation risk if process lacks compassion.