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 and a Total Filling Station in Wuse, due to unpaid ground rent dating back decades.
The FIRS office allegedly defaulted on its statutory obligations for over 25 years, prompting the FCTA to revoke its Right of Occupancy and seal the premises. Likewise, the Total station was shut down for failing to pay ground rent for 34 years.
In a letter dated March 13, 2025, and signed by the Director of Land Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, the FCTA clarified that the affected property was originally allocated to Rana Tahir Furniture Nigeria Limited—not directly to Access Bank, which currently occupies the site.
The letter stated:
“The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, in exercise of 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.”
It further noted that the revocation was due to the continued violation of land allocation terms, including failure to pay ground rent for 34 years.
FCTA officials said that multiple notices and public warnings had been issued since 2023, urging allottees to settle outstanding dues. The enforcement action is part of a wider clampdown on defaulters across the capital.
Earlier in the year, the FCTA revoked 4,794 land titles in upscale areas such as Wuse, Maitama, Asokoro, and Garki for similar violations. Official data shows that 8,375 property owners collectively owe approximately ₦6.97 billion in unpaid ground rent—some dating back more than 40 years.
