The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a fresh two-week ultimatum to 762 landowners in Abuja’s Maitama II District.
These defaulters, including prominent individuals and corporate entities, were ordered to pay for their Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) or risk the final revocation of their land allocations.
In a statement released on Friday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike emphasized that the primary goal is not to strip the owners of their land but to ensure they fulfill their payment obligations. The statement reiterated that a previous deadline, set on October 5, 2024, had already seen 2,511 out of 3,273 allottees comply, leaving 762 in default.
Wike’s decision follows the publication of a notice on December 20, 2024, warning the 762 defaulters that their Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) titles would be revoked. The minister noted that while some of the affected landowners have expressed willingness to settle their dues, the government’s priority remains ensuring payment.
The new deadline for these defaulters, along with 614 others who still owe balances on their C-of-O payments, is set for January 3, 2025. After this date, there will be no further extensions, and the withdrawal of the R-of-O titles will become final, as stipulated by Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978.
The revocation order has impacted several high-profile figures, including members of the Buhari Foundation and political figures like Senator George Akume. The controversy surrounding these land allocations has sparked discussions about accountability and land management in the FCT.
Wike’s announcement reflects the government’s continued push for strict enforcement of land use regulations and transparency in property ownership in Abuja.
