By Okafor Joseph Afam – January 16, 2025

In a bold move to enforce compliance with statutory land payments, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revoked the Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) for 568 allottees in Maitama II, Cadastral Zone A10, Abuja. Among those affected are high-profile figures including Bayelsa State Governor Senator Douye Diri, Imo State Governor Senator Hope Uzodimma, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu.

The revocation follows the failure of the affected individuals to pay their Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills, even after a two-week extension was granted. Lere Olayinka, media aide to the minister, emphasized that the decision was a direct consequence of non-payment, a contravention of the terms stipulated in the Land Use Act of 1978.

Other notable names on the list include former Enugu State Governor Chimaroke Nnamani, Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, and Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).

Background

In October 2024, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) issued notices to 3,273 allottees, mandating them to pay their C-of-O bills within two weeks. While 2,511 complied, 762 defaulted. Another two-week grace period was granted to these defaulters, but as of January 15, only 194 settled their obligations, leaving 568 non-compliant.

Official Statement

A notice from the FCTA clarified the basis of the revocation:
“The Federal Capital Territory Administration wishes to inform the allottee(s)/title holder(s) of plot(s) of land in Maitama II, Cadastral Zone A10, Abuja, who have failed to make payment for their Certificate of Occupancy bills after the expiration of the grace period granted by the Honourable Minister, Federal Capital Territory, that their Right of Occupancy to the land/property has been withdrawn, pursuant to the provisions of Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978.”

The statement further assured the public that allottees who completed their payments before January 15, 2025, remain unaffected.

Implications

This decisive action underscores Wike’s determination to enforce accountability and ensure compliance with land use regulations in the FCT. It also sends a strong message to defaulting allottees about the consequences of neglecting financial obligations tied to land allocations.