Minister Wike revokes 762 land plots over unpaid certificates of occupancy

By Kunle Sanni

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ordered the revocation of 762 land plots in the Maitama district of Abuja due to non-payment of Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O). 

The decision was announced in public notices released by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Thursday.

The affected individuals and corporate entities failed to settle their outstanding land fees, prompting the FCTA to seize the plots. 

According to the notice, Wike also issued a warning to 614 other landholders in the region, threatening to withdraw their Rights of Occupancy (R-of-O) if outstanding payments are not made within two weeks.

This move follows the FCTA’s earlier publication of a list of land title debtors on November 26, giving them a two-week grace period to clear their arrears. 

“The Federal Capital Territory Administration wishes to inform the allottee (s)/title holder (s) of plots of land in Maitama 1 who have failed to make payment for their Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills after the expiration of grace period granted by the Honourable Minister, Federal Capital Territory that their Right of Occupancy to the land/property have been withdrawn, pursuant to the provisions of Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978 for contravention of the terms of grant which obligated the title/interest holders to settle all bills,” the latest FCTA notice reads.

Among those whose Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) were revoked, the notice highlighted several prominent figures. Notably, the Muhammadu Buhari Trust Foundation, owned by former President Muhammadu Buhari, is on the list. Other significant individuals include Walter Onnoghen, who previously served as the Chief Justice of Nigeria; Abbas Tajudeen, the current Speaker of the House of Representatives; and George Akume, who is the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, along with his wife, Regina. Uba Sani, the Governor of Kaduna, is also mentioned.

The list further features former and serving lawmakers such as Tahir Monguno, the Senate Chief Whip; Chibudom Nwuche, a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives; and Teslim Folarin, a former Senate Leader. Nnenna Ukeje, a former member of the House of Representatives, along with former senators Andy Uba and Smart Adeyemi, are included as well.

Additionally, the notice referred to several other notable figures, including Sam Egwu, a former Governor of Ebonyi; Stella Oduah, who previously held the position of Minister of Aviation; and Dennis Idahosa, the current Deputy Governor of Edo, all of whom are also facing threats of revocation.