In a major move, Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, has revoked the land allocations of several high-profile individuals and organizations due to unpaid bills. This includes 762 land plots in the prime Maitama 1 District of Abuja, which are owned by top figures like former President Muhammadu Buhari, former Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas.
Wike’s decision also affects other notable figures, including former governors such as Rochas Okorocha of Imo, Ben Ayade of Cross River, and Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa. Several federal lawmakers, past and present, are on the list, including Dino Melaye, Shehu Sani, and Barnabas Gemade.
The notice said, “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by the Honourable Minister, Federal Capital Territory that their Right of Occupancy to the land/property have been withdrawn, pursuant to the provisions of Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978 for contravention of the terms of grant which obligated the title/interest holders to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.
“Section 28 of the Land Use Act, to which the FCTA notice referred, stipulates how landed properties vested in individuals can be revoked by authorities. Subsection Five (5) empowers state governors (the Minister of the FCT in the case of Abuja) to revoke a statutory right of occupancy on the ground of-
(a) a breach of any of the provisions which a certificate of occupancy is by section 10 of this Act deemed to contain;
(b) a breach of any term contained in the certificate of occupancy or in any special contract made under section 8 of this Act.
“The non-payment of statutory fees by landowners are considered violations for which allocated plots can be revoked.”
The land revocation is not limited to these prominent individuals. Wike has warned that 614 other individuals and companies risk losing their Rights of Occupancy (R-of-O) if they fail to pay their outstanding bills within the next two weeks.
The FCTA has published public notices on this development, revealing that the land plots in question are located in Abuja’s wealthy Maitama 1 District. This action is part of the government’s effort to ensure that landholders meet their financial responsibilities and pay for their Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O). If payments are not made in time, the affected individuals and companies will face severe consequences, including the loss of their land.
This move is a significant step by the FCT Ministry to enforce accountability among landholders, regardless of their status or position. It serves as a reminder that financial obligations regarding land ownership in Abuja should not be neglected.
The notice added, “The Federal Capital Territory Administration hereby informs the general public, particularly allotee (s)/title holder (s) of land in the Maitama 1 District of the FCT who have since made payment of their outstanding Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills to as a matter of urgency pay the balance of their bills within two weeks from the date of this publication or have their Rights of Occupancy (R-of-O) titles withdrawn.”