The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has taken decisive action by sealing an Access Bank branch and a Total petrol station in Zone 6, Wuse, Abuja, due to non-payment of ground rent that has accumulated over 34 years.

According to official documents, the property occupied by Access Bank is allocated to Rana Tahir Furniture Nigeria Limited, not directly to the bank. A letter dated March 13, 2025, from Chijioke Nwankwoeze, the Director of Land Administration, indicated that the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, exercising powers under the Land Use Act No. 6 of 1978, has revoked the rights and privileges over the property located at Plot No. 2456, Wuse I, Cadastral Zone A02.

The letter emphasized that the revocation was a result of the bank’s continued failure to pay annual ground rents for 34 years. It stated, “The revocation is in view of your continued contravention of the terms and conditions of grant of the Right of Occupancy by failing to pay the annual ground rents due on the property.”

In addition to the bank and fuel station, the FCTA also sealed the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) office in Abuja for similar reasons. These closures are part of a broader enforcement initiative targeting property owners across the Federal Capital Territory who have defaulted on ground rent payments.

FCTA officials noted that multiple notices and publications have been issued since 2023, alerting all property allottees to settle their outstanding ground rent obligations. The administration is committed to ensuring compliance with land use regulations to maintain order and accountability in property management within the FCT.