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The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has sealed several prominent properties in Abuja, including the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) office in Zone 5, an Access Bank branch, and a Total filling station in Wuse, over decades-long defaults on ground rent payments.

The FIRS office was reportedly in default for more than 25 years, prompting the FCTA to revoke its Right of Occupancy and seal the premises.

Similarly, Access Bank’s Wuse branch and the adjoining Total filling station were shut down for failing to pay ground rent for 34 years.

A letter dated March 13, 2025, signed by the Director of Land Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, stated that the property was originally allocated to Rana Tahir Furniture Nigeria Limited—not directly to Access Bank.

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

It further emphasized: “The revocation is due to your continued violation of the terms and conditions of the Right of Occupancy by failing to pay ground rent for thirty-four (34) years.”

FCTA officials said multiple notices and public announcements had been issued since 2023, urging defaulters to settle their outstanding rent.

This enforcement action is part of a broader clampdown on defaulters across the capital. Earlier this year, the FCTA revoked 4,794 land titles in highbrow areas such as Wuse, Maitama, Asokoro, and Garki over similar violations.

Official records show that 8,375 property owners owe a total of approximately ₦6.97 billion in unpaid ground rent, with some debts dating back more than 40 years.

Reacting to the development, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike reaffirmed the administration’s resolve to enforce land use laws without fear or favour.

“These revocations are carried out under Section 28(5) of the Land Use Act, which empowers the government to reclaim land from titleholders who fail to comply with occupancy conditions,” he stated.