By Adenike Lawal
The Federal Capital Territory Administration has sealed an Access Bank branch and a Total petrol station in Wuse, Abuja, as part of a sweeping enforcement drive against chronic defaulters of ground rent.
According to official documents, the affected property-Plot 2456 in Wuse I, Cadastral Zone A02-is legally allocated to Rana Tahir Furniture Nigeria Limited. The FCTA said the property occupants defaulted on rent payments for an astonishing thirty four years.
A letter dated March 13, 2025, and signed by the Director of Land Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, confirmed that the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, approved the revocation of the right of occupancy under the Land Use Act of 1978.
“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 for Thirty Four years,” the notice stated.
This move comes amid a broader clampdown that has already seen nearly 4,800 property titles revoked across key districts such as Maitama, Asokoro, Garki, and Wuse.
FCTA officials said repeated reminders and public notices had been issued since 2023 to defaulting allottees. Yet over 8,300 property owners still owe a combined ₦6.97 billion in rent, some stretching back over four decades.
Minister Wike has made it clear that all actions are being taken under the authority of Section 28 sub section 5 of the Land Use Act, and stressed that the administration will not relent until all outstanding dues are recovered.
The message is clear: pay up or face the loss of your property.
