At EncumberedProperties.com, we don’t just talk about real estate fraud, we expose it. Our mission is simple: protect your hard-earned money by helping you avoid risky property transactions.
Today, we bring you an issue shaking Abuja and sending ripples across Nigeria, the revocation of property rights due to unpaid ground rent. If you’re a property owner, investor, or prospective buyer, this is a must-read.
WHAT IS GROUND RENT?
In Nigeria, under the Land Use Act, all land technically belongs to the government, which holds it in trust for the people. That’s why landowners are required to pay a ground rent, a form of lease payment to the government for the right to occupy or use the land.
Failing to pay this ground rent can have serious consequences.
THE ABUJA GROUND RENT CRACKDOWN
Recently, the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, initiated a sweeping revocation of Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) across Abuja. Hundreds of property rights have been revoked, many simply because of unpaid ground rent, some outstanding for over 10 to 15 years.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR BUYERS
If you buy a property with unpaid ground rent, you’re stepping into legal trouble:
- The property can be revoked anytime.
- Even if you’ve fully paid, your documents are worthless if the title is compromised.
- The government isn’t obliged to recognize you as the new owner.
- You risk losing the property, with no compensation, unless fraud or lack of notice can be proven.
Worse still, you might not even know the rent is owed until it’s too late.
DUE DILIGENCE: YOUR BEST PROTECTION
Before you buy any property:
- Demand the Title Documents.
- Request Official Receipts for Ground Rent Payments.
- Verify Directly at the Land Registry or Area Council Land Administration.
- Engage Experts Like EncumberedProperties.com for Professional Due Diligence.
Don’t assume, verify before you invest.
CAN YOU SUE IF YOU WERE MISLED?
Yes! but only if the seller deliberately misrepresented the property’s status.
If the seller assured you there were no debts or outstanding rents, and you relied on that statement, you may sue for misrepresentation and recover damages.
But if you didn’t ask, or didn’t investigate, you will bear the risk.
That’s why “Caveat Emptor” (Buyer Beware) is the golden rule in real estate.
IS REVOCATION AUTOMATIC?
No. The law requires a process:
1: Demand Notice to Pay.
2: Revocation Notice if Payment Fails.
3: Revocation Order if Payment Still Fails.
If these steps are skipped, any revocation can be challenged in court, and reversed.
IS COMPENSATION GUARANTEED IF THE PROPERTY IS DEMOLISHED?
No. Compensation is only possible if the revocation didn’t follow due process.
Once due process is followed, the government has the legal right to revoke or demolish without owing you a dime.
FINAL WORD: IGNORANCE IS NOT AN EXCUSE
Real estate mistakes can cost you everything.
We’ve seen buyers lose millions because they skipped basic checks.
At EncumberedProperties.com, we help you verify, investigate, and stay protected.
👉 If you know any property under threat of revocation, demolition, or legal dispute, report it to us at EncumberedProperties.com.
Have you encountered a real estate scam? Share your experience in the comments below to help others stay informed!
At Encumbered Properties, our mission is to help you make safe and informed property investments decisions.
In summary, before you buy any property anywhere in the world, always:
Verify the property’s status on EncumberedProperties.com;
Consult a real estate lawyer; and
Avoid untraceable cash transactions.
Watch the complete video of this article being extensively explained for better understanding by clicking on the video below, or visit our YouTube channel through the link below in this article to watch the educative video and many more other informative piece to keep you scam free on real estate investing.
While you watch out for our next article, follow us on:
Facebook: Encumbered Properties Limited
YouTube: @encumberedproperties
Instagram: @encumberedproperties
Want to learn more? Drop your questions in the comments below, and let’s discuss how to make real estate investments safer and profitable!
This article was put together by Madueke Enwere: a property lawyer, a real estate investor, and a senior police officer and by God’s grace, the founder, encumberedproperties.com
#RealEstateNigeria #AbujaLand #GroundRentNigeria #LandRevocation #EncumberedProperties #PropertyVerification