The Federal Government has issued a 60-day ultimatum to owners of its titled properties, demanding payment of outstanding ground rent and other statutory charges. Failure to comply will result in the revocation of their Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).
Ahmed Dangiwa, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, announced the notice on Wednesday during the 29th Conference of Directors of Lands in Federal and State Ministries, Departments, and Agencies held in Abuja. The conference’s theme is “Equitable Land Stewardship: Challenges of Land Administration and its Impact on Climate and Community Rights.”
Dangiwa emphasized that many owners of titled properties have neglected to pay ground rent and other charges for several years, leading to significant revenue losses for the Federal Government. He stated, “This non-compliance has resulted in the loss of trillions of Naira in revenue to the Federal Government.”
Under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Dangiwa reiterated that this situation cannot continue, as the revenue is crucial for delivering on government promises to Nigerians. He warned that all holders of Federal C of O titles must settle their outstanding charges within the stipulated 60-day period or risk losing their certificates.
Additionally, the Minister highlighted issues with various residents’ associations in Federal Government properties that hinder Ministry workers from accessing estates for billing and enforcement of non-payments. He warned these associations to adhere to the terms outlined in their C of Os, stating that failure to comply would lead to penalties and sanctions.