In a significant move, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has taken control of several high-profile properties in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, due to unpaid ground rent. The properties, which include those of the Federal Internal Revenue Service (FIRS), Access Bank, and Total Energy, were sealed off by the FCTA on Monday. This action marks the beginning of the administration’s efforts to reclaim over 4,794 properties that have been revoked due to non-payment of ground rent.

According to the Director of Land at the FCTA, Chijoke Nwankwoeze, the FIRS building, located on Plot 627 in Wuse Zone 5, owes ground rent for an astonishing 25 years. Similarly, the Access Bank building, situated on Plot No. 2456 in Wuse I, Cadastral Zone A02, has not paid ground rent for 34 years. As a result, these properties have reverted to the FCTA, which has now taken possession of them.

The enforcement team also sealed off Total Energy’s premises on plot 534 in Wuse Zone 1, which is owned by Total PLC, over unpaid ground rent exceeding 10 years. The Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, explained that this action is part of the FCTA’s decision to take over all revoked properties in the territory due to non-payment of ground rent for over a decade. “Today, we are complying with our earlier statement that we will take over all revoked properties, starting with plot 534 in Wuse Zone 1, owned by Total PLC,” Galadima said.

The FCTA’s move is seen as a significant step towards addressing the issue of unpaid ground rent in the territory. With thousands of properties affected, the administration’s efforts are expected to have far-reaching implications for property owners and the local economy. As the FCTA continues to take possession of these properties, it remains to be seen how this will impact the businesses and organizations affected. One thing is certain, however: the FCTA is serious about enforcing its policies and reclaiming properties that have not met their financial obligations.