The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has taken decisive action by sealing an Access Bank branch and a Total petrol station in Wuse, Abuja, due to unpaid ground rent spanning an astonishing 34 years. This enforcement move is part of a wider crackdown by the FCTA on property owners who have defaulted on their statutory obligations, signaling a firm stance on land use compliance in Nigeria’s capital.
According to an official letter dated March 13, 2025, signed by Chijioke Nwankwoeze, Director of Land Administration, the FCTA revoked the rights and privileges over Plot No. 2456, located in Wuse I, Cadastral Zone A02, Abuja. The property is formally registered to Rana Tahir Furniture Nigeria Limited, which allegedly failed to meet its ground rent obligations. The letter cited the Land Use Act No. 6 of 1978 as the legal foundation for this action, particularly Section 28(5), which empowers the government to revoke land rights for non-compliance.
“The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory has exercised his powers under the Land Use Act to revoke your rights due to continued contravention by failing to pay the annual ground rents for 34 years,” the letter stated. It also noted that several warnings and notices had been issued since 2023, but the outstanding rent remained unpaid.
This seizure is just one part of a larger FCTA initiative targeting land title defaulters in Abuja’s prime districts, including Wuse, Maitama, Asokoro, and Garki. Recent government actions saw the revocation of 4,794 land titles across the territory, with over 8,375 property owners reportedly owing an aggregate sum of about ₦6.97 billion in unpaid ground rent. Some arrears date back over four decades, illustrating a long-standing issue of non-compliance.
FCTA Minister Nyesom Wike underscored that these revocations are intended to ensure accountability and compliance with property laws, reaffirming the government’s commitment to enforcing the Land Use Act and protecting public revenue.
Although the seized properties include an Access Bank branch and a Total petrol station, it is important to note that the ground rent default is linked to the primary titleholder, Rana Tahir Furniture Nigeria Limited, rather than the businesses themselves. This legal distinction raises questions about tenant rights and the impact of government actions on third-party operators using leased properties.
Business stakeholders are now watching closely to see how the FCTA will handle these cases moving forward, especially regarding possible negotiations, settlements, or reallocation of seized properties to new occupants who meet statutory obligations.
The FCTA’s recent enforcement drive highlights the broader challenge of land administration in Nigeria, where inefficient systems and long-standing rent arrears have often hindered urban development and fiscal governance. Ground rent, though a relatively modest fee compared to property values, constitutes a significant source of revenue for the government and serves as a vital tool for land use regulation.
Experts say consistent enforcement and transparency in land tenure systems can encourage better compliance, improve government revenues, and foster urban renewal efforts. Conversely, prolonged default and lax enforcement undermine state capacity and contribute to infrastructural decay in prime urban areas.
The sealing of the Access Bank branch and Total petrol station over 34 years of unpaid ground rent marks a new phase in Abuja’s land administration reforms. The FCTA, under Minister Nyesom Wike, is sending a clear message that non-compliance with land laws will no longer be tolerated, irrespective of the profile of property owners or tenants.
Property owners and businesses alike are advised to review their land obligations promptly to avoid similar punitive actions. As the FCTA continues its enforcement campaign, greater transparency and accountability in land management will be crucial for sustainable urban development in Nigeria’s capital.