FCTA Seizes Properties of FIRS, Access Bank, and Total Energy Over Unpaid Ground Rent

In a bold enforcement action, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has sealed off the premises of the Federal Internal Revenue Service (FIRS), Access Bank, and Total Energy in Wuse, Abuja, due to prolonged non-payment of ground rent, signaling the start of a sweeping initiative to reclaim over 4,794 revoked properties across the territory.

Mr. Chijoke Nwankwoeze, FCTA’s Director of Land, announced during the operation on Monday that these high-profile properties have officially reverted to the FCTA as a consequence of unpaid dues spanning decades.

The FIRS building, situated on Plot 627 in Wuse Zone 5, has failed to pay ground rent for 25 years, accumulating a significant debt now prompting decisive FCTA action.

Meanwhile, the Access Bank property on Plot No. 2456 in Wuse I, Cadastral Zone A02, owned by Rana Tahir Furniture Nig. Ltd., has defaulted on ground rent payments for an astonishing 34 years, leading to its seizure by the FCTA.

Total Energy’s property on Plot 534 in Wuse Zone 1, belonging to Total PLC, was the first to be sealed by the enforcement team, having neglected ground rent obligations for over 10 years, with its revocation finalized in March.

Mr. Mukhtar Galadima, Director of Development Control, stated that this crackdown follows the FCTA’s earlier public declaration to take possession of more than 4,000 revoked properties in the territory, reinforcing its commitment to tackling unpaid ground rent.

Galadima highlighted that the operation began with Total Energy’s Plot 534 in Cadastral Zone A02, Wuse Zone 1, as a clear demonstration of the FCTA’s resolve to enforce compliance across Abuja.

The sealing of these properties underscores the FCTA’s broader strategy to recover substantial revenue lost to defaulters, with ground rent serving as a vital funding stream for the territory’s infrastructure and development projects.

This enforcement marks a stern warning to other property owners in Abuja, as the FCTA intensifies its efforts to address the widespread issue of unpaid dues linked to revoked properties.

With over 4,794 properties targeted in this campaign, the FCTA is poised to continue its systematic takeover, ensuring all landowners meet their legal and financial obligations to avoid similar repercussions.

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