FCTA Seals Wuse, Abuja Access Bank Branch Over Unpaid Ground Rent
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has sealed the Access Bank branch located in Wuse, Abuja, following the bank’s failure to pay outstanding ground rent obligations.
This enforcement action is part of a broader clampdown initiated by the FCTA targeting property owners across the capital who have defaulted on ground rent payments, some for over a decade. According to FCTA officials, Access Bank is among numerous entities served notices in recent months over the non-payment of statutory dues.
The ground rent, mandated under the Land Use Act and as part of the terms of Right of Occupancy, is a legal requirement for all landowners in the Federal Capital Territory. The FCTA revealed earlier this year that over 8,000 property owners owed more than ₦6.9 billion in unpaid ground rent, prompting the administration to issue a final 21-day notice for defaulters to comply.
The sealing of the Wuse branch comes in the wake of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, approving the revocation of 4,794 land titles across high-value districts such as Wuse, Maitama, Asokoro, Garki, and Guzape.
A senior official within the FCTA confirmed the action against Access Bank, emphasizing that the administration is committed to enforcing compliance regardless of the stature of institutions involved.
“As directed by the Honourable Minister, we are ensuring that all defaulters—corporate or individual—are held accountable. Access Bank was served notice, and having failed to comply, we proceeded with sealing the premises,” the official said.
Access Bank has not yet issued a statement regarding the incident. Customers of the affected branch are advised to use nearby branches or digital platforms for their banking needs as the situation unfolds.
This development underscores the FCTA’s renewed drive to sanitize land administration in Abuja and boost internally generated revenue. Authorities have warned that further sanctions, including permanent revocation of titles and repossession of properties, will follow continued non-compliance.
