The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has given owners of 762 plots of land in Maitama II District, Cadastral Zone A10, Abuja, a fresh two-week ultimatum to settle payments for their Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) or face permanent revocation of their land allocations.
The announcement was made in a statement on Friday by Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka.
According to the statement, the minister stressed that the government’s intention was not to strip individuals of their land rights but to ensure compliance with financial obligations to the FCT Administration (FCTA).
“It should be recalled that on October 5, 2024, a list of 3,273 allottees/title holders who were yet to pay for their C-of-O was published.
READ ALSO: Wike Revokes Buhari, Abbas, Akume’s Lands In Abuja
They were given two weeks to pay or lose their Right of Occupancy (R-of-O). Out of the 3,273, a total of 2,511 complied, leaving 762,” the statement read.
A notice of withdrawal for the 762 defaulters was published on Thursday, prompting a wave of responses from affected individuals offering to settle their dues. In response, Wike extended a two-week grace period, with a final deadline set for January 3, 2025, for all payments to be completed.
The minister warned that there would be no further extensions after this deadline, stating that non-compliance would lead to the irrevocable withdrawal of R-of-O titles, as stipulated by Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978.
READ ALSO: Kano Gov’t Announces Expiration Date For Landed Property C-of-Os
This development follows Wike’s recent revocation of land allocations in Maitama II, including plots linked to prominent figures such as former President Muhammadu Buhari, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume.
Additionally, 759 other prominent individuals and organizations were affected in the mass revocation exercise, which was attributed to non-payment of C-of-O fees.
READ ALSO: Minister Urges Wike To Join APC
Among those at risk of losing their allocations if they fail to pay are Minority Leader of the House of Representatives Kingsley Chinda, former Senate Presidents Iyorchia Ayu and Ameh Ebute, and Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno, alongside 610 others.
The minister’s firm stance on the issue comes after months of appeals to residents of Abuja, particularly those in high-value areas, to clear outstanding debts owed to the FCTA.
Wike reiterated that compliance with these payments was crucial for effective urban development and resource management in the nation’s capital.