Abuja, Nigeria – In a significant move aimed at enforcing compliance with regulatory payments, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has sealed the premises of Access Bank and Total Petrol Station located in Wuse, Abuja.
This decisive action was taken in response to long-standing unpaid ground rent, with Access Bank reportedly owing a staggering 34 years of arrears.
The FCTA officials arrived at the site early this morning, maintaining a firm stance on property compliance in the capital.
The sealing of these prominent establishments underscores the administration's commitment to upholding financial obligations tethered to land use.
Access Bank's location in the bustling Wuse Market area has long been a critical financial hub for residents and businesses alike, while Total Petrol Station serves as a crucial refueling point for motorists traversing the capital.
The closure of these outlets is expected to cause significant disruption to patrons and surrounding businesses, raising concerns about the broader economic impact in the area.
According to Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant To FCT Minister, the action against Access Bank had been a long time coming, as efforts to obtain payment from the bank had not yielded results over the decades.
“This move is not punitive but rather a necessary enforcement of the law,” stated an FCTA spokesperson. "We cannot allow any entity, regardless of its stature, to ignore its financial responsibilities. Ground rent is vital for the maintenance and development of our city."
The response from the affected institutions has been muted, with Access Bank and Total Petrol Station yet to issue a public statement regarding the closures.
However, industry observers are questioning the implications of this action on the operations of other businesses in the area, especially amidst a challenging economic climate.
As the FCTA continues to crack down on delinquent ground rent payments, stakeholders from various sectors are urging the administration to engage in dialogue with business owners to facilitate compliance without resorting to drastic closures.
The sealing of Access Bank and Total Petrol Station serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fiscal responsibility among corporate entities operating in Nigeria's capital.
Moving forward, both public and private sectors are watching closely from a distance, hoping for a resolution that can restore operational normality while honoring the legal obligations that come with property ownership.
No comments:
Post a Comment