FG Directs Lagos Property Owners to Pay Ground Rent

The Federal Government has urged occupants of its lands and houses in Lagos State to pay their ground rent directly into the government’s designated account. This directive was issued by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, during an address in Banana Island on Friday.

Dangiwa highlighted the ministry's commitment to improving revenue collection by ensuring compliance from all occupiers of Federal Government assets. He emphasized that the collected funds will be utilized to enhance facilities and infrastructure.

The minister reaffirmed the government's dedication to renovating, securing, and maximizing the value of its assets across the country while enforcing strict adherence to land and estate administration laws. “The Ministry is determined to uphold the provisions of the law to maintain order in the administration of its assets,” he stated.

Additionally, Dangiwa clarified the role of estate associations, noting that while they are allowed to collect facility management fees agreed upon with residents, they should not collect ground rent. “Facility management fees are standard charges for maintaining estates, but ground rent belongs to the Federal Government,” he explained. He warned that if associations collect ground rent on behalf of the government, they must remit it fully; otherwise, the government will take action to manage collections through its staff or consultants