BREAKING: FCTA seals Access Bank, Total Petrol Station over 34-year ground rent default

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has sealed off an Access Bank branch and a Total petrol station in Wuse, Abuja, over the non-payment of ground rent spanning 34 years.

This enforcement action is part of a broader clampdown on property owners who have defaulted on their statutory obligations in the nation’s capital.

According to a document obtained by DAILY POST, the affected property—located on Plot No. 2456 in Wuse I, Cadastral Zone A02—is officially allocated to Rana Tahir Furniture Nigeria Limited, not Access Bank directly. A letter dated March 13, 2025, and signed by Chijioke Nwankwoeze, Director of Land Administration, stated:

“The Minister of the 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 cited continuous non-payment of annual ground rent as the reason for the revocation:

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

It also noted that multiple notices and public warnings had been issued since 2023, urging allottees to settle their outstanding debts.

The closures follow a sweeping crackdown by the FCTA, which recently revoked 4,794 land titles across key districts of Abuja—including Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse, and Garki—over unpaid ground rents dating back over a decade. FCTA officials report that 8,375 property owners collectively owe approximately ₦6.97 billion in arrears, with some debts extending over 40 years.

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has reiterated that the revocations were carried out in line with Section 28(5) of the Land Use Act, which empowers the government to reclaim land from titleholders who fail to meet the terms of their occupancy.