The Federal Capital Territory Authority (FCTA) on Monday commenced the repossession of properties that have defaulted in ground rent payments across Abuja, beginning with the sealing of Ibro Hotel in Zone 5.
According to officials, the hotel has failed to pay its ground rent for 26 years, leading to its closure in an operation carried out by FCTA officials accompanied by security operatives.
In a statement to the press, the spokesman for FCT Minister Nyesom Wike confirmed the action, stating: "FCTA Seals Ibro Hotel in Zone 5 Abuja Revoked For Not Paying Ground Rent for 26 years."
The operation also targeted several filling stations and other organizations found to be in default of their ground rent obligations. This enforcement action follows the FCTA's March 18, 2025 public announcement regarding the revocation of 4,794 land titles across prime districts in Abuja.
These revoked properties span the Central Area, Garki I and II, Wuse I and II, Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape districts. They form part of a larger group of 8,375 land titles whose owners have reportedly failed to pay their ground rent for up to 43 years.
Last week, the FCTA had issued a notice that it would begin taking possession of the affected properties starting Monday, May 26, 2025, a promise it has now begun to fulfill with the sealing of Ibro Hotel and other establishments.
The ground rent recovery operation is expected to continue in the coming days as the FCTA moves to enforce compliance with property regulations in the Federal Capital Territory.
