Wike revokes 762 Abuja lands, bigwigs including Tinubu’s SGF affected
Nyesom Wike
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ordered the immediate revocation of 762 plots in Abuja for failure to settle their Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) fees.
It was gathered that the plots located in the prestigious Maitama II District, belong to influential politicians, corporate entities, and several high-profile individuals.
This sweeping action also includes a stern two-week ultimatum for 614 other landowners who have outstanding bills. If unpaid, their Rights of Occupancy (R-of-O) will be withdrawn, signaling a crackdown on non-compliance in the FCT.
The notice revealed that the Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) of several individuals and entities were revoked, including the Muhammadu Buhari Trust Foundation, owned by former President Muhammadu Buhari, former Chief Justice of Nigeria Walter Onnoghen, Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, along with his wife, Regina.
Other political figures hit by the revocation include former Governors Rochas Okorocha, Seriake Dickson, and Ben Ayade, alongside current and former federal lawmakers such as Dino Melaye, Shehu Sani, Enyinnaya Abaribe, and Barnabas Gemade.
However, in a statement issued on Thursday, the Federal Capital Territory Administration cited the failure of the landowners to pay their outstanding C-of-O fees after the grace period expired.
It reads, “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by the Honourable Minister, Federal Capital Territory that their Right of Occupancy to the land/property have been withdrawn, pursuant to the provisions of Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978 for contravention of the terms of grant which obligated the title/interest holders to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 Land Use Act gives authority to the FCT Minister to revoke land rights under specific circumstances, including non-compliance with C-of-O payment. Wike’s move is seen as a significant step in ensuring adherence to land use regulations and discouraging the misuse of prime land in the capital.
