FG Issues 60-Day Deadline For Property Owners To Settle Debts Or Lose C of O

The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has issued a 60-day ultimatum for all Federal Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) holders to clear their outstanding debts, warning that non-compliance will result in the revocation of their titles.

This directive was delivered by Minister Ahmed Dangiwa during the 29th Conference of Directors of Lands, held in Abuja on Wednesday.

The event focused on the theme, “Equitable Land Stewardship: Challenges of Land Administration and Its Impact on Climate Change and Community Rights.”

Dangiwa expressed concern over the widespread non-compliance of landowners, which has significantly impacted the government’s revenue.

He further explained that numerous owners of federal properties have failed to meet their obligations by neglecting to pay ground rent and other statutory fees for several years.

“The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development is aware that several owners of its titled properties have failed to pay ground rent and other statutory charges to the Ministry for several years now.

“This non-compliance has resulted in the loss of trillions of naira in revenue to the Federal Government. Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, this cannot be tolerated as this revenue is much needed to deliver the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the Minister emphasized.

Dangiwa then declared, “As such all Federal C of O title owners are hereby given a 60-day notice to settle all outstanding ground rent and statutory charges. Failure to make payment within this period will result in the revocation of their C of Os.”

He also condemned certain resident associations that have obstructed Ministry officials from gaining access to estates for billing and enforcement purposes.

“Failure to adhere to these requirements will attract the appropriate penalties and sanctions,” Dangiwa warned.