FCTA seals FIRS offices over unpaid ground rent, intensifying enforcement across Abuja property owners.
Why FCTA Sealed FIRS and Major Abuja Properties
For decades, Abuja’s skyline has seen the steady rise of modern buildings banks, petrol stations, government offices all dotting the capital’s landscape.
Yet beneath the surface, many of these structures carry a lingering debt: unpaid ground rent.
In a bold and far-reaching move, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has begun sealing high-profile properties in the city,
including the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Access Bank, and Total Petrol Station.
The Trigger: 25 Years of Neglect
The FIRS office in Abuja’s Zone 5 wasn’t just another defaulter. According to the FCTA, the agency failed to meet its obligations for over 25 years. As a result, its Right of Occupancy was revoked.
To put this into perspective, a whole generation has grown up while this rent remained unpaid.
For many Abuja residents, this news is not just shocking it’s infuriating.
If a federal agency tasked with tax collection can avoid paying rent, what message does that send to ordinary citizens and small business owners?
The Legal Framework: Land Use Act 1978
The revocations were not arbitrary. Citing the Land Use Act No. 6 of 1978, the FCTA exercised its legal power under Section 28(5).
This section empowers the minister to revoke occupancy rights for non-compliance, such as unpaid rent.
Why the Law Matters
This clause ensures that all landholders whether public or private are held accountable.
The government’s recent actions aim to restore this balance. By invoking this law, the FCTA has sent a clear message: ownership comes with responsibilities.
Long-Term Defaulters: 34-Year Ground Rent Debt
Access Bank’s Wuse branch and a neighboring Total Petrol Station were sealed off due to 34 years of unpaid ground rent. Yes, 34 years.
According to a letter signed by Chijioke Nwankwoeze, Director of Land Administration, the affected plot was originally allocated to Rana Tahir Furniture Nigeria Limited.
Access Bank operated there, but the official record shows the bank had no legal right of direct occupancy.
The implications? Even multinational companies and household-name brands can find themselves in legal trouble if they do not resolve title and rent issues.
A Crackdown That’s Just Beginning
This enforcement isn’t isolated. Since early 2023, the FCTA has issued notices, reminders, and public service announcements urging property owners to settle their dues.
Despite these warnings, more than 8,375 properties are still defaulting. The total debt? Over ₦6.97 billion.
Major Areas Affected:
Wuse
Maitama
Asokoro
Garki
These are not fringe locations. They are prime real estate zones occupied by wealthy individuals, diplomats, and corporations.
Minister Wike’s Take: No Room for Preferential Treatment
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike stood firm. He emphasized that land law enforcement must apply equally to all.
“These revocations were executed in accordance with Section 28(5) of the Land Use Act,” he noted.
“The government is serious about restoring order and enforcing accountability.”
Wike’s statement aligns with broader public sentiment: enough is enough.
Citizens React
On social media and in public conversations, Nigerians expressed mixed reactions.
Some praised the government’s tough stance:
“Finally, the rich and powerful are being held accountable.”
Others questioned the timing and transparency:
“Why now? What’s the real motive behind this crackdown?”
Real Estate Experts Speak
Real estate lawyer Nkechi Madu says, “This could create temporary instability in property markets. But long-term, it enforces discipline.”
For developers, it’s a wake-up call to ensure their land titles and dues are in order.
Economic Fallout: Risks and Rewards
Enforcing ground rent laws creates both short-term disruption and long-term gains.
Short-Term Disruptions
Businesses may lose access to their premises.
Investors might reconsider entering Abuja.
Long-Term Benefits
Increases trust in government oversight.
Clears the backlog of land title disputes.
Generates funds for infrastructure development.
Future Enforcement: What to Expect
FCTA is not slowing down. Officials have hinted that more properties could be sealed. They’re reviewing land allocations, unpaid bills, and illegal occupants.
Land use analysts suggest this enforcement wave could evolve into a full land audit.
If that happens, we may see:
Mass revocations
Court battles
Reallocations to new investors
This could reshape Abuja’s land ownership map completely.
Lessons for the Public and Private Sector
Whether you’re a landlord, developer, tenant, or banker, here are key lessons:
Pay Your Dues: Ground rent isn’t optional.
Check Your Title: Confirm that your property allocation is up to date.
Respond to Notices: Ignoring FCTA announcements can cost your business.
Legal Audits Matter: Conduct regular legal reviews of your land assets.
Technology in Land Management
One way forward is digital land management. Digitizing Abuja’s land records would:
Improve transparency
Automate reminders
Reduce fraud
Smart cities need smart systems. It’s time to modernize.
Final Thoughts
FCTA’s action is a turning point. It marks a bold attempt to reclaim order in Abuja’s chaotic land management space.
But the real success will come if it leads to a transparent, fair, and digitally managed land system.
The keyword “FCTA seals FIRS” isn’t just a headline it’s a signal that Nigeria is entering a new era of accountability.
Are you a property owner in Abuja or other Nigerian cities?
Now’s the time to:
Review your land documents
Clear any pending dues
Consult a real estate lawyer if needed
Don’t wait for enforcement to knock at your door.
Author: Ifeanyi Bello Date: May 26, 2025
What do you think of FCTA’s crackdown on unpaid ground rent?
Is this the reform Nigeria needs, or is it too little too late? Share your thoughts in the comments!