The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a fresh two-week ultimatum to the owners of 762 plots of land in the Maitama II District, Cadastral Zone A10, Abuja, to pay for their Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) or face the final revocation of their land allocations.
This was announced in a statement on Friday by Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka.
Wike emphasized that the government’s primary aim was not to strip landowners of their properties but to ensure they settle the necessary payments.
He reminded the public that on October 5, 2024, a list of 3,273 allottees who had not paid for their C-of-O was published, with a two-week deadline to settle their payments or risk losing their Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) titles. Of those 3,273, 2,511 complied, leaving 762 defaulters.
The statement further noted, “On Thursday, a notice was issued for the withdrawal of the R-of-O titles of the 762 defaulters. Since then, many of the affected landowners have shown a willingness to pay. Given that the goal is to facilitate payment, a two-week grace period has been granted.”
As a result, the 762 defaulters, along with 614 others who still owe for their C-of-O, now have until January 3, 2025, to make their payments. After this date, there will be no further extensions, and the R-of-O titles of defaulters will be irrevocably revoked under the provisions of Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978.
This renewed ultimatum follows the recent revocation of lands belonging to former President Muhammadu Buhari, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, and 759 other prominent individuals and organizations in Maitama II, Abuja, for failure to pay their C-of-O fees.
Wike also warned that lands belonging to several political figures, including Minority Leader of the House of Representatives Kingsley Chinda, former Senate Presidents Iyorchia Ayu and Ameh Ebute, and Chief Whip of the Senate Tahir Monguno, as well as 610 other individuals, could face revocation for outstanding payments. This latest action follows months of Wike urging FCT residents, particularly those in high-value areas, to settle their outstanding land fees or risk losing their properties.
