The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revoked the Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) of 762 plots of land in Abuja.
The affected properties, located in the high-end Maitama 1 District, belong to several prominent Nigerians and corporate organizations.
This action follows the failure of the owners to pay the necessary fees associated with their Certificates of Occupancy, despite prior notices. The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) also issued a stern warning to 614 other individuals and entities, threatening to withdraw their Rights of Occupancy (R-of-O) if they fail to settle their outstanding payments within two weeks.
Among those whose plots have been revoked are former President Muhammadu Buhari, former Chief Justice of Nigeria Walter Onnoghen, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen. Other affected individuals include:
– Governors: Uba Sani (Kaduna), Rochas Okorocha (Imo), Ben Ayade (Cross River), Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa), and Ahmad Sani (Zamfara).
– Lawmakers: Enyinnaya Abaribe, Dino Melaye, Sunday Karimi, Abdul Ningi, Shehu Sani, and Abdulfatai Buhari.
– Corporate Entities: Julius Berger Nigeria, BUA, and Honeywell Construction Limited.
The revocation is based on Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978, which empowers authorities to withdraw occupancy rights for breaches, including non-payment of statutory fees. According to the FCTA, the landowners contravened the terms of grant by failing to settle their C-of-O bills.
Prominent figures such as former Senate Presidents Iyorchia Ayu and Ameh Ebute, as well as former ministers and lawmakers, were given a two-week ultimatum to clear their debts or face revocation of their R-of-O. The affected parties include current and former public officials like Tahir Monguno, Teslim Folarin, and Stella Oduah.
Since assuming office in August 2023, Mr. Wike has undertaken significant reforms in land administration in the FCT. In September, he revoked 165 plots of land for lack of development, affecting notable individuals like Peter Obi, Liyel Imoke, and late media mogul Sam Nda-Isaiah.
Mr. Wike has reiterated his commitment to prioritizing public interest in land reforms. “Our focus is the public good. The rich may oppose some decisions, but reforms that benefit the majority must be implemented,” he stated.
To ease compliance, the minister pegged the cost of obtaining a C-of-O at N5 million, with a four-month payment window. He has also vowed to eliminate issues like multiple allocations of the same plot.
The revocation and ultimatum have sparked mixed reactions. While some see it as a necessary step to address inefficiencies in land administration, others view it as a crackdown on high-profile individuals. The FCTA’s action underscores the government’s resolve to enforce compliance and ensure equitable use of public resources.
