Ireti Kingibe, the Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has kicked against what she described as a troubling wave of “indiscriminate and often unlawful” sealing of properties in Abuja by various government agencies.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Thursday via her X account, Kingibe condemned the growing trend of property closures allegedly linked to unpaid ground rent, warning that such actions, if not guided by law, could further strain the already fragile economic realities faced by residents and business owners in the FCT.
Lere Olayinka, the senior special assistant on public communications and new media to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, had at a press briefing on Friday in Abuja, disclosed that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) said that starting Monday, it will take possession of properties affected by the revocation of 4,794 land titles for non-payment of Ground Rent for between 10 and 43 years.
ome of the affected land title holders, including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
Others are CONOIL Plc, Borno State Government, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), National university commission (NUC), M.R.S Investment Company Limited (owners of MRS Petrol Stations) and Kaduna State Government.
However, President Bola Tinubu intervened and gave a two-week ultimatum.
Speaking on this, Kingibe said, “While the enforcement of regulations and tax obligations is necessary.
“Such actions must be carried out within the bounds of legality, fairness, and sensitivity to the current economic realities faced by residents.”
Ground rent, she noted, is a tax charged and collected by state governments under the Lands (Title Vesting, etc.) Act.
Read also: Tinubu grants 14-day ultimatum to FCT ground rent defaulters
However, Kingibe stressed that default in payment does not automatically translate to the loss of property rights.
“No Nigerian’s property can be lawfully seized, revoked, or sealed solely on account of failure to pay ground rent,” she stated. “The penalty for such default is, by law, limited to a fine or surcharge, not the compulsory taking over or sealing of the property without recourse to the due process prescribed under Section 42 of the Land Use Act and other relevant provisions.”
Citing both the Land Use Act and the Urban and Regional Planning Act, the lawmaker argued that only due legal processes—including proper notice, engagement, and compensation—can justify the revocation of any land by government authorities. She warned that failing to comply with these standards amounts to a breach of citizens’ rights.
“The indiscriminate and sometimes abrupt sealing of properties, often executed without proper notice, engagement, or adherence to legal procedure, only serves to deepen the economic distress of individuals, families, and business owners already facing mounting hardship,” she lamented.
The Senator didn’t mince words about the long-term consequences of the current enforcement strategy.
“These actions undermine livelihoods, erode public trust in institutions, and risk destabilizing the fragile balance of social and economic stability within the FCT,” she said.
Kingibe, who has consistently positioned herself as a vocal advocate for her constituents, vowed to intervene through both dialogue and legislative pressure.
“I cannot, and will not, stand idly by while residents are subjected to enforcement practices that contravene established laws and compound their suffering,” she declared. “I am actively engaging with relevant authorities and exploring all legislative avenues to ensure that any enforcement actions taken are consistent with the rule of law, fairness, and compassion.”
Urging calm among residents and business owners, the Senator assured them that the issue is receiving the attention it deserves.
“I urge all residents and business owners to remain calm and law-abiding. Please rest assured that this matter is being addressed with the seriousness it deserves. We are committed to ensuring that dialogue, justice, and due process prevail,” she concluded.
