The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a fresh ultimatum to the owners of 762 plots in Maitama II District, Cadastral Zone A10, Abuja, to pay their outstanding fees for Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) within two weeks or face the final revocation of their land allocations.
This was disclosed in a statement on Friday by Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka.
On October 5, 2024, the FCT Administration (FCTA) published a list of 3,273 allottees and titleholders who had failed to pay for their C-of-O, granting them an initial two-week deadline. While 2,511 individuals and organisations complied, 762 defaulters remained.
Yesterday, a notice of withdrawal of Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) titles for these 762 defaulters was issued. Following the notice, several affected allottees pledged to make payments, prompting the minister to extend the deadline by two weeks.
The new deadline for compliance is January 3, 2025. Wike emphasised that no further extensions would be granted. After this date, the withdrawal of R-of-O titles for non-compliant allottees will be final, as stipulated by Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978.
“The primary aim of the government is not to strip people of their lands but to ensure compliance with payment requirements,” the statement clarified.
The ultimatum follows the revocation of land titles the previous day belonging to several high-profile individuals, including:
- Former President Muhammadu Buhari
- Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas
- Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume
- 759 other notable figures and organisations
Additionally, Wike warned other prominent defaulters, including Minority Leader of the House of Representatives Kingsley Chinda, former Senate Presidents Iyorchia Ayu and Ameh Ebute, and Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno, to settle their outstanding fees promptly.
The minister reiterated his earlier pleas to residents, particularly those in high-value areas of the FCT, to fulfil their obligations to the government. This drive is part of a broader initiative to enhance revenue collection for the development of the capital territory.
Wike’s firm approach underscores his commitment to enforcing regulations and ensuring accountability within the FCT, marking a significant shift in the administration’s approach to land management.
