In a bold and unprecedented move, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has revoked the Certificates of Occupancy (CoO) for 762 plots of land in Abuja.
The decision impacts high-profile Nigerians, including former President Muhammadu Buhari, Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen, former Senate President Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, and several governors and lawmakers. Premium Times obtained the notice from the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), which revealed that the revocations were due to the non-payment of fees after a grace period had expired.
The FCTA notice confirmed that the landowners had failed to settle their CoO bills, triggering the revocation of their occupancy rights. The notice cited the Land Use Act of 1978, which gives the FCT Minister the power to withdraw occupancy rights from landowners who do not fulfill their financial obligations. According to the provisions of the Act, non-payment of statutory fees is a breach of the terms of land grants, justifying the revocation.
The list of those affected includes former President Buhari, who is linked to the Muhammadu Buhari Trust Foundation, and former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello. Other key figures include Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, former Chief Justices Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad and Walter Onnoghen, as well as Speaker Abbas Tajudeen. The revocation also impacts governors from various states, including Uba Sani of Kaduna and Rochas Okorocha of Imo.
The decision extends beyond political figures to corporate entities, such as the Methodist Church of Nigeria and companies located in the Maitama II area of Abuja. This area, a prime location, is home to many influential figures and organizations, and the revocations have stirred controversy. Wike made it clear that these actions were in accordance with the Land Use Act, emphasizing that landowners must adhere to the terms of their CoOs, which include the timely payment of fees.
Wike warned those affected that their occupancy rights would remain revoked unless they settled their outstanding payments. He also issued a warning to former Senate Presidents Iyorchia Ayu and Ameh Ebute, along with several current and former lawmakers, urging them to resolve their payment issues or face similar consequences.
This bold action by Wike has sparked mixed reactions across the political and corporate landscape. While some have praised the minister for taking a stand against non-compliance, others have questioned whether the move was politically motivated. Despite the divided opinions, the revocations have certainly sent shockwaves throughout Abuja’s political and business circles, with Premium Times reporting on the widespread ramifications of Wike’s decision.
