In recent news, a drastic decision has rocked the community in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja. Indeed, the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, has taken the decision to revoke 762 plots of land in Maitama 1 due to non-payment of Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O).
Among those affected by this measure are prominent figures such as former President Muhammadu Buhari, former Chief Justice of Nigeria Walter Onnoghen, as well as former governors such as Rochas Okorocha, Ben Ayade and Seriake Dickson. Current and former parliamentarians such as Dino Melaye, Enyinnaya Abaribe and Abdul Ningi are also among the landowners whose rights have been revoked. Corporate organisations that have not paid their dues have also been affected by this measure.
A notification issued by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) states that “allotees/land plot holders in Maitama 1 who have failed to pay their Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills after the expiry of the grace period…have had their Right to Occupy the land/property revoked in accordance with the provisions of Section 28 of the Land Use Act, 1978.”
It is made clear that the right holders were required to settle their dues as a condition of their land allotments.
Furthermore, Nyesom Wike has given a two-week ultimatum to 614 other individuals and organisations to settle their outstanding dues or face similar action.
The Minister said the crackdown on land defaulters is part of a broader effort to ensure compliance with Abuja’s urban development policies.
This decision marks a significant break in the land landscape of the capital, highlighting the importance of complying with financial obligations related to land ownership and warning of the consequences of non-compliance with regulations in force in the region.
In a context where urban development is a priority, this action aims to ensure transparent and equitable management of land resources, while strengthening compliance with existing regulations to guarantee harmonious and sustainable development of the capital.
It is therefore imperative that landowners scrupulously comply with their financial obligations to avoid strict measures such as the revocation of their possession rights, thus highlighting the importance of transparency and good governance in the management of land resources within the Federal Capital Territory.