FCTA Cracks Down on Ground Rent Arrears, Seals FIRS, Banks, and PDP Offices

Strategic Insights -

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has taken a decisive stance against property owners and businesses that have failed to pay their ground rents, sealing several offices including the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), an Access Bank branch, and the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The move is part of a broader crackdown on property titleholders across the capital city, where a staggering 8,375 property owners owe approximately N6.97 billion in ground rent arrears, some dating back over four decades.

Key Takeaways:

  • The FCTA has revoked 4,794 property titles for failing to pay their ground rents, which date back from 10 to 43 years.
  • Thousands of property owners who owe less than 10 years in arrears were given a 21-day grace period to pay up or face similar sanctions.
  • The FIRS office owes 25 years in arrears, while the Access Bank building has 34 years unpaid.
  • The PDP has failed to pay annual ground rents for 20 years on its national headquarters in Abuja.
  • The FCTA has engaged in multiple public announcements and notices since 2023, urging property owners to settle outstanding ground rent bills.
  • The recent enforcement marks part of a broader crackdown on property titleholders across the capital city.
  • Over 8,375 property owners owe approximately N6.97 billion in ground rent arrears, with some debts dating back over four decades.
  • Minister Nyesom Wike has reiterated the government's commitment to enforcing land laws strictly and fairly.

Statistics:

  • 4,794 property titles revoked for non-payment of ground rents.
  • 8,375 property owners currently owing approximately N6.97 billion in ground rent arrears.
  • FIRS office owes 25 years in arrears (25 x N2,500 = N62,500,000).
  • Access Bank building owes 34 years in arrears (34 x N2,500 = N85,000,000).
  • PDP national headquarters owes 20 years in arrears (20 x N2,500 = N50,000,000).
  • Total ground rent arrears for all affected property owners: approximately N6.97 billion ( date back over four decades).

Sources:

  • FCTA letter dated March 13, 2025, signed by Chijioke Nwankwoeze, Director of Land Administration.
  • Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
  • Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national headquarters.