FCT Minister Nyesom Wike Cancels Land Allocations Over Unpaid C-of-O Fees in Maitama II, Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has officially annulled the land allocations of 568 individuals in the prestigious Maitama II district of Abuja due to their failure to pay outstanding Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) fees. This decisive action was confirmed on Thursday by Wike’s spokesperson, Lere Olayinka.
Notable Personalities Among Defaulters
The revocation list includes several high-profile figures such as Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Bayelsa State Governor Duoye Diri, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, and Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission. Other prominent names affected are Samuel Anyanwu, National Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP); former Enugu State Governor Chimaroke Nnamani; Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro; and Oluwole Oke, a House of Representatives member representing Obokon/Oriade Federal Constituency.
Background and Legal Framework for Revocation
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) issued a formal notice explaining that the revocation followed the expiration of a grace period granted to defaulters to settle their C-of-O bills. Landowners who completed their payments by January 15, 2025, were exempt from this measure. The FCTA cited Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978, which empowers the government to withdraw land rights if the terms of the grant, including financial obligations, are breached.
“The Federal Capital Territory Administration hereby informs allottees of plots in Maitama II, Cadastral Zone A10, Abuja, who neglected to pay their Certificate of Occupancy fees within the allowed grace period, that their Right of Occupancy has been revoked,” the notice declared.
Compliance Statistics and Enforcement Timeline
Out of 3,273 defaulters initially identified in Maitama II, 2,511 complied with the October 2024 directive to clear their outstanding balances. However, 762 individuals failed to meet the deadline. In response, Minister Wike issued a final two-week ultimatum in December 2024, warning that failure to comply would result in permanent revocation of land rights.
Implications and Government’s Stance on Land Use
This enforcement action highlights the FCT administration’s firm stance on upholding land-use regulations and ensuring that all landowners fulfill their financial responsibilities. It also serves as a reminder of the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in land management within Abuja’s Federal Capital Territory.
Recent data from the FCTA indicates that such strict enforcement has improved revenue collection by over 15% in the last fiscal year, reinforcing the importance of compliance for sustainable urban development.
0 Comments