The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has reported a substantial recovery of N1.9 billion in ground rent following a directive from Minister Nyesom Wike. This impressive achievement comes within a short span, demonstrating the effectiveness of the directive in motivating property owners to settle their overdue ground rent payments.
FCTA two-week ultimatum for overdue ground rent payments
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, recently issued a two-week ultimatum for overdue ground rent payments, prompting property owners to rush to settle their debts or risk property revocation. The result has been a substantial recovery, with N1 billion collected in just one month.
During this period, the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) office has witnessed a surge in activity as property owners strive to comply with the minister’s order.
Isiaku Ndatsu Alfa, the Acting Director of AGIS, revealed that prior to the minister’s directive, ground rent collections had hit their lowest point between June and July. However, immediately following Wike’s order in August, ground rent earnings saw a significant boost, reaching N500 million and gradually surpassing the N1 billion mark by September 17, 2023. Alfa anticipates that this figure will double by month-end.
FCTA surge in activity as property owners strive to comply with the minister’s order.
He also disclosed the upcoming launch of an online payment portal for ground rents, certificates of occupancy (C of O), and other transactions. This initiative is expected to streamline payments and increase revenue for AGIS. The online payment app has already been developed, with an official launch scheduled before the year’s end. This platform will enable property owners to conveniently make payments from their homes.
Alfa emphasized the significance of the FCT minister’s commitment to boosting Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and ensuring that property owners fulfill their ground rent obligations. He praised the surge in customer service activity at AGIS, noting that the increase in payments reflects property owners’ responsiveness to the minister’s advice.
In response to the surge in customers at AGIS, additional laptops and computer systems have been procured, and staff have been redeployed within sections to meet Wike’s ultimatum.
Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Over N34 billion in unpaid ground rent
Jibril Adamu Husseini, the Acting Director of AGIS’ Department of Land Administration, FCTA, commended the minister’s decision, emphasizing that it was essential to collect the over N34 billion in unpaid ground rent, which constitutes a breach of terms and conditions of allocation.
Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) affirms that the proactive approach by the FCT minister signals a significant step towards optimizing revenue collection and ensuring property owners meet their financial obligations to support vital capital projects within the FCT