FCTA seals Access Bank, FIRS, others over ground rent

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), on Monday, sealed an Access Bank branch; a Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) office; Ibro Hotel; and a Total petrol station, due to long-standing non-payment of ground rent.

The enforcement, which began in the Wuse district, was led by the Director of Development Control, Tpl. Mukhtar Galadima, and officials from the Department of Land Administration.

The exercise followed a public notice by the FCTA, vowing to reclaim all titles revoked over non-compliance with statutory obligations.

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Speaking during the sealing of Plot 534, Cadastral Zone A02, Wuse Zone 1, belonging to Total PLC, Galadima said, “Today is about walking the talk. We announced this earlier, and we are here to implement what we said to take possession of all revoked properties, starting with this plot.”

He noted that the Total PLC property had accumulated over 10 years of unpaid ground rent, leading to its revocation in March 2025.

Also sealed was the Access Bank branch located on Plot 2456, Wuse 1, Cadastral Zone A02. The property, however, belongs to Rana Taher Furniture Nigeria Limited and was revoked due to 34 years of unpaid ground rent.

Galadima said the enforcement would proceed to other parts of the city, including the Central Area, after the Wuse district. He warned allottees with outstanding ground rent liabilities to act swiftly or risk similar enforcement measures.

The FCTA has been vocal about improving revenue generation through strict enforcement of land administration policies, under the leadership of FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike

Also speaking, the Director of Land Administration, Mr. Chijioke Nwankwoeze, clarified that: “This building is currently occupied by Access Bank PLC, but the title belongs to a private company. The debt has spanned 34 years, and as such, the title has reverted to the FCTA.”

He further revealed that the FIRS building located in Wuse Zone 5 was sealed for owing 25 years of ground rent. “This marks the beginning of repossession of over 4,794 revoked properties across the territory,” Nwankwoeze said.

According to him, the affected plots have legally reverted to government ownership, and all occupants must vacate or resolve their land title issues through official channels.