In a significant enforcement move on Monday, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) sealed off an Access Bank branch and a Total petrol station located in Zone 6, Wuse, Abuja, due to unpaid ground rent liabilities that have accumulated over 34 years.
Documents reveal that the premises occupied by Access Bank are officially allocated to Rana Tahir Furniture Nigeria Limited, not the bank itself. This allocation is central to the legal basis for the FCTA’s revocation of occupancy rights.
A formal letter dated March 13, 2025, authored by Chijioke Nwankwoeze, Director of Land Administration, notified the affected parties that “The Minister of Federal Capital Territory has in the exercise of powers conferred on him under the Land Use Act No. 6 of 1978 revoked your rights, interests and privileges over Plot No. 2456 within Wuse I, Cadastral Zone A02, Abuja.”
The letter further elaborated that the revocation was “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.”
The FCTA’s enforcement extended to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) office in Abuja, which was also shut down for similar breaches regarding ground rent payments.
This action forms part of a comprehensive campaign by the FCTA to address widespread non-compliance among property owners across the Federal Capital Territory. Since 2023, the administration has issued numerous notices and public announcements demanding the settlement of outstanding ground rent obligations.
Officials emphasize that these measures are aimed at ensuring adherence to the Land Use Act and improving revenue generation within the territory.
