The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has extended the deadline for Abuja landowners to settle their Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) fees. This applies to owners of 762 plots in Maitama II District, Cadastral Zone A10, who now have two weeks to comply.

According to a statement by the Minister’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, land allocations will be permanently revoked if payments are not made within the deadline.

Recent reports revealed that some prominent Nigerians, including the Muhammadu Buhari Trust Foundation, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, former governor Rochas Okorocha, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, were affected by previous revocations.

However, Wike clarified that the goal isn’t to confiscate land but to ensure that all landowners fulfill their financial responsibilities to the government.

The minister’s decision aims to ensure accountability while urging landowners to act swiftly to retain their plots.

The statement read; “It should be recalled that on October 5, 2024, list of 3,273 allottees/title holders that were yet to pay for their C-of-O were published. They were offered two weeks to pay their bills or lose their Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) titles. Out of the 3,273, a total of 2,511 complied, leaving 762.

“Yesterday, notice of withdrawal of the R-of-O titles of the 762 defaulters was published.

“Since then, many of the affected allottees have offered to pay, and since the primary aim of the government is to ensure payment, a two weeks grace has been given.

“Consequently, the 762 allottees and the 614 others with outstanding payment on C-of-O will have till January 3, 2025 to pay, or have their R-of-O titles withdrawn, pursuant to the provisions of Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978.

“After January 3, 2025, there will be no further extension and withdrawal of the R-of-O titles of defaulters will be final.”