Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, Senator Ireti Kingibe, has said that non-payment of ground rents does not constitute grounds for arbitrary takeover of property by government agencies.
The Senator who spoke against the background of sealing of several properties including the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja, by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), on Thursday via a statement, contended that sealing of structures for default in payment of relevant fees should have human face especially in view of the choking economic realities in the country.
The statement made available to Ikengaonline read: “I am deeply concerned by the growing number of reports regarding the sealing of properties across the Federal Capital Territory by various government agencies.
“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.
“It is important to clarify that ground rent, a tax charged and collected by state governments on land granted pursuant to the Lands (Title Vesting, etc.) Act of 1975, is not grounds for arbitrary property takeover. While the government retains the constitutional power to revoke land for overriding public interest, such revocation must strictly follow due legal process as stipulated under the Land Use Act and the Urban and Regional Planning Act, including the payment of due compensation.
“Therefore, no Nigerian’s property can be lawfully seized, revoked, or sealed solely on account of failure to pay ground rent. 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.
“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. These actions undermine livelihoods, erode public trust in institutions, and risk destabilizing the fragile balance of social and economic stability within the FCT.”
The lawmaker appealed to Abuja residents to remain calm, saying she is engaging the necessary Government agencies on how to resolve the matter.
“As the elected Senator of the Federal Capital Territory, I cannot, and will not, stand idly by while residents are subjected to enforcement practices that contravene established laws and compound their suffering. 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.
“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.”
