JUST-IN: FCTA Seals FIRS, Access Bank Offices, Others Over Unpaid Ground Rent

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has sealed several high-profile properties in Abuja, including the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) office in Zone 5, a branch of Access Bank, and a Total Petrol Station in Wuse over non-payment of ground rent dating back decades.

The FIRS office had allegedly defaulted on its statutory obligations for over 25 years, prompting the FCTA to revoke its Right of Occupancy and seal off the premises.

Similarly, Access Bank’s Wuse branch and the adjoining Total Filling Station were shut down for defaulting on ground rent payments for 34 years.

In a letter dated March 13, 2025, signed by Director of Land Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, the FCTA stated that the affected property was officially allocated to Rana Tahir Furniture Nigeria Limited, not Access Bank directly.

“The Minister of Federal Capital Territory has in the exercise of powers conferred on him under the Land Use Act No. 6 of 1978, Cap. L5, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, revoked your rights, interests and privileges over Plot No. 2456 within Wuse I, Cadastral Zone A02, Abuja,” the letter read.

It further noted, “The revocation is in view of your continued contravention of the terms and conditions of grant of the Right of Occupancy by failing to pay the annual ground rents due on the property for Thirty-Four (34) years.”

FCTA officials revealed that several notices and public announcements had been issued since 2023, urging allottees to settle outstanding ground rent bills.

The recent enforcement marks part of a broader crackdown on property titleholders across the capital city.

Earlier this year, the FCTA revoked 4,794 land titles in prime districts such as Wuse, Maitama, Asokoro, and Garki for similar violations. According to official figures, a staggering 8,375 property owners are currently owing approximately ₦6.97 billion in ground rent arrears—some dating back over four decades.

Speaking on the development, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, reiterated the government’s commitment to enforcing land laws strictly and fairly.

“These revocations were executed in accordance with Section 28(5) of the Land Use Act, which permits the government to reclaim land from titleholders who fail to meet the conditions of their occupancy rights,” he said.