A major crackdown on property owners in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, has led to the sealing of an Access Bank branch and a Total petrol station in the upscale Wuse district. The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) took this drastic measure due to the non-payment of ground rent by the owners of these establishments. This move is part of a broader initiative aimed at property owners who have defaulted on their statutory obligations, highlighting the government’s determination to enforce compliance with land use regulations.
The closures come on the heels of a significant clampdown by the FCTA, which has revoked a staggering 4,794 land titles across Abuja’s prime districts, including Wuse, Maitama, Asokoro, and Garki. The reason behind these revocations is the failure of property owners to pay ground rents, with some debts dating back over a decade. According to FCTA officials, a total of 8,375 property owners are in arrears, owing approximately ₦6.97 billion in unpaid ground rents, with some debts spanning over 40 years.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has emphasized that the revocations were carried out in accordance with Section 28(5) of the Land Use Act, which grants the government the authority to reclaim land from titleholders who fail to meet the conditions of their occupancy rights. This move by the FCTA sends a strong message to property owners in Abuja, underscoring the importance of fulfilling their statutory obligations to avoid such drastic measures. As the government continues its enforcement drive, it remains to be seen how this will impact the city’s property landscape and the businesses operating within it. The crackdown is a clear indication of the government’s commitment to enforcing compliance and collecting overdue revenues, which could have significant implications for the city’s development and economy.
