The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has officially taken over Wadata Plaza, the headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), after nearly three decades of unpaid ground rent. This enforcement action, announced Monday, forms part of a sweeping campaign targeting over 4,700 properties in Abuja that have defaulted on their statutory land payments.

FCTA Revokes PDP Property Title

Located on Plot 1970, Michael Okpara Street, in Wuse Zone 5 of Abuja, Wadata Plaza had reportedly accumulated unpaid ground rent for 28 years. Consequently, the FCTA revoked the land title and served a formal notice to the registered owner, Senator Samaila Kofi, on March 14, 2025.

Chijoke Nwankwoeze, Director of Land at the FCTA, confirmed the development during a press conference. He emphasized that the revocation and repossession adhered strictly to legal protocols and that the notice was properly delivered to Senator Kofi’s registered address in Kaduna. He further clarified that the FCTA deals only with legally documented landowners, not occupants or political tenants, reiterating that the PDP’s usage of the property did not influence the legal decision.

According to Nwankwoeze, Wadata Plaza is the sixth property the FCTA has sealed under its intensified drive to reclaim land from defaulters. The property is one of the 4,794 locations whose rights were revoked in March due to non-payment of ground rent, with cumulative arrears exceeding ₦6 billion.

Tinubu Approves 14-Day Grace Period for Defaulters

President Bola Tinubu has intervened in the situation by granting a 14-day grace period to all affected property owners to settle their ground rent debts and associated penalties. This directive came following escalating enforcement efforts and the sealing of high-profile properties like Access Bank, the Chinese Cultural Centre, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and several others in Wuse Zone 5.

Nwankwoeze stated that properties in key districts have been assigned varying penalty fees. Owners in the Central Area face a ₦5 million fine, while those in Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, and Guzape are charged ₦3 million. Properties in Wuse I, Garki I, and Garki II carry a ₦2 million penalty. He urged all landowners to not only clear outstanding rent but also complete essential land documentation—such as acquiring Minister’s Consent and registering their Deeds of Assignment—to avoid further sanctions.

FCT Minister Wike Issues Parallel Enforcement Deadline

Complementing the President’s directive, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, issued a separate 14-day ultimatum for property holders to pay their Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) and Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) fees. Non-compliance could lead to additional revocations, with the minister affirming that strict measures will follow the deadline’s expiration.

In a bid to preempt speculation of political targeting—especially in the case of Wadata Plaza—Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, reiterated that the actions were strictly administrative. He stressed that the enforcement was being carried out in line with Nigeria’s Land Use Act and applicable land administration policies, devoid of any partisan agenda.

Legal Framework and Compliance Monitoring

The FCTA appears to be on solid legal footing. According to Nwankwoeze, there are currently no court orders or injunctions barring the administration from enforcing the revocation orders. The government is moving ahead with its compliance audit, targeting property owners who had been given an earlier 21-day grace period to settle debts ranging from one to ten years.

This compliance audit, now in its final stages, will determine the next phase of enforcement. Once completed, more properties may be sealed or fully repossessed by the FCTA. Authorities have indicated that legal occupants who failed to rectify documentation issues or pay rent during the earlier window will face the full brunt of administrative actions.

Broader Implications and Development Strategy

This large-scale enforcement drive underscores a broader shift in how the FCTA approaches land governance and revenue generation. The administration insists that the consistent payment of ground rent is vital to the sustainability of the FCT’s infrastructure and urban development initiatives. By reclaiming defaulting properties, the FCTA aims to ensure that Abuja’s real estate sector operates on a transparent, rule-based system.

More importantly, these actions reflect an effort to boost internally generated revenue at a time when national and sub-national governments are increasingly under pressure to fund public services amid fluctuating federal allocations. Ground rent, as a statutory fee, plays a crucial role in financing city-wide development and maintaining public utilities.

Political and Social Reactions

While the seizure of Wadata Plaza has sparked interest due to its association with the PDP, government officials have repeatedly emphasized the non-political nature of the enforcement. The move comes just months after Wike assumed his role as FCT Minister, signaling a no-nonsense approach to urban governance, regardless of the stature or affiliations of those involved.

Still, some within political circles speculate that the timing and manner of enforcement could be perceived as an attempt to apply pressure on opposition groups. However, analysts point to the inclusion of non-political institutions such as banks and foreign cultural centers as evidence of the administration’s impartiality in the campaign.

What Comes Next?

The clock is ticking for thousands of property owners in Nigeria’s capital. With the 14-day window granted by President Tinubu now active, many must urgently address their outstanding debts or face the risk of eviction, further penalties, or legal action. The FCTA has made it clear that there will be no further extensions.

Moreover, the administration plans to initiate public auctions of repossessed properties once the legal processes are finalized. This could mark a significant redistribution of high-value real estate in Abuja and could open up new opportunities for compliant investors.

As the FCTA continues to enforce compliance and reclaim revenue from defaulting landowners, its actions are likely to set a precedent that could be replicated in other Nigerian cities. For now, Wadata Plaza stands as a prominent symbol of what the administration describes as a long-overdue cleanup of the capital’s land management system.