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Pay Ground Rent Now Or Risk C-of-O Revocation, FG Tells Property Owners
The Federal Government has warned that property owners who fail to pay their ground rent now risk having the Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) given on such property revoked.
The revocation, according to the government, will take effect on the expiration of the 60-day ultimatum it has issued.
Speaking at the 29th Conference of Directors of Lands in Abuja, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, stated that the persistent failure of the concerned persons to comply had resulted in the loss of trillions of naira in revenue to the federal government.
At the opening ceremony of the two-day programme, Dangiwa stated that the government had also observed the activities of various residents’ associations of federal government landed properties that were preventing ministry staff from accessing the estates for billing purposes and enforcement of non-payments.
The conference was themed, “Equitable Land Stewardship: Challenges of Land Administration and its Impact on Climate Change and Community Rights.”
The conference brought together experts, policymakers, and community representatives.
Dangiwa said, “I want to use this occasion to address pertinent issues that are hampering the ability of government to maximise the revenue earning potential of its landed assets. 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 President Bola Tinubu, this cannot be tolerated, as this revenue is much needed to deliver the Renewed Hope Agenda to Nigerians.
“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.”
The minister warned residents associations to comply with the terms and conditions outlined in their respective C of Os, threatening that failure to adhere to the requirements will attract appropriate penalties and sanctions.
He listed some challenges in land administration in Nigeria as complexity of Nigeria’s land laws, particularly the Land Use Act of 1978, which he said continued to pose significant challenges.
Besides, Dangiwa mentioned the lengthy, expensive and complicated land titling and registration processes, which he said was discouraging many Nigerians from formalising land ownership.
He also highlighted the lack of formal land titles, which prevented landowners from accessing credit and leveraging their land as a financial asset, particularly in rural areas.
Dangiwa emphasised the clash between formal legal structures and customary land tenure systems, especially in rural areas, which created uncertainty and hindered land transactions.
Others, he said, included limited access to land information; conflicting land laws and policies; inefficient dispute resolution mechanisms; corruption and land grabbing; as well as non-compliance with statutory obligations regarding government-owned land assets.
According to him, the inefficient and slow mechanisms for resolving land disputes, leading to prolonged conflicts that delay development, also remain a key challenge in the sector.
Dangiwa said the ministry was prioritising land governance issues and had taken significant steps, including ensuring the establishment of a new regime of revised rates for crops and economic trees that was fair, equitable, and provided adequate compensation to persons affected by government projects.
He added that the ministry was partnering with the World Bank to address Nigeria’s longstanding land registration challenges, with over 90 per cent of the land in the country still unregistered, leading to an estimated $300 billion in dead capital.
“Let me state that we are still in a state of emergency regarding our level of land administration. It is, in fact, a national economic, security, and social development risk. We must understand this and resolve to act with the urgency that is required,” he noted.
Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, observed that equitable land stewardship called for a balanced approach to land management that took into account not only economic development, but also environmental protection and social justice.
“As Africa confronts the realities of climate change ranging from desertification in the Sahel to rising sea levels in coastal regions, our land administration systems must evolve to support climate resilience,” Ogunbiyi stressed.
Director, Lands and Housing Development Department in the ministry, Collins Alabi, said as a precious resource, land required careful management and equitable distribution.
News
Boko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom For Abducted Borno Ex-LG Chair, Another Victim
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
News
How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
News
Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
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