FCTA  Reclamation:  FIRS, Ibro Hotel And Others Seal Off

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has begun the reclamation of revoked properties by sealing off the premises of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Ibro Hotel, and Access Bank in the Wuse District due to unpaid ground rent.

During the enforcement in Abuja, the Director of Lands, FCTA, Mr. Chijoke Nwankwoeze, explained that the exercise marks the commencement of the reclamation process of over 4,000 properties by the FCT Administration.

He explained that the FIRS building, located in Wuse Zone 5, owed the FCTA ground rent for 25 years, while the Access Bank building, on Plot No. 2456, Wuse I, Cadastral Zone A02, Abuja, owned by Rana Tahir Furniture Nigeria Limited, had failed to pay its ground rent for 34 years.

“This building is currently occupied by Access Bank PLC, but the title belongs to a private company. The debt has spanned 34 years, and as such, the title has reverted to the FCTA,” he said.

The enforcement team also sealed Total Energy on Plot 534, Cadastral Zone A02, Wuse Zone 1, belonging to Total PLC, over unpaid ground rent for more than 10 years.

Mr. Nwankwoeze, who revealed that the FCTA had forewarned defaulters through public notices, further explained that the sealed structures have automatically become the property of the FCTA.

On his part, the Director of the Department of Development Control, Mr. Mukhtar Galadima, said the time has come for the FCTA to match words with action by taking possession of properties revoked in March.

He urged residents and business operators to verify the status of their land titles and clear outstanding obligations with the FCTA to avoid disruptions to their operations.

“So, today is just to carry out what we have said, that we are going to take over all the revoked properties, and we are starting with Plot 534, Cadastral Zone A02, Wuse Zone 1,” he stated.

The Development Control boss assured that the enforcement exercise will be carried out on property owners owing ground rent in other parts of the city.

By Remi Johnson