In a significant move, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has revoked land allocations for 568 individuals, including several high-profile figures, in Maitama II, Cadastral Zone A10, Abuja. Among those affected are the governors of Bayelsa and Imo states, Senator Diri Douye and Senator Hope Uzodimma, alongside Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and PDP National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
This revocation was prompted by the failure to settle Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills within the extended grace period, as explained by Lere Olayinka, the Minister’s media aide. Initially, in October 2024, 3,273 allottees were given a two-week deadline to pay their dues or forfeit their Right of Occupancy (R-of-O). While 2,511 complied, 762 did not, leading to a further two-week extension. However, only 194 of these 762 managed to pay by January 15, 2025, leaving 568 allottees facing revocation.
Notable among the list of those affected are former Enugu State Governor Chimaroke Nnamani, Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, and Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of NiDCOM, among others. The action by the FCT Administration adheres to Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978, which allows for the withdrawal of land rights if the terms of land allocation are not met.
The official notice issued by the FCTA clearly states that the revocation is due to non-payment of C-of-O fees post the grace period, emphasizing that only those who paid by the specified date remain unaffected by this decision. This move underscores the government’s stance on enforcing land payment obligations, highlighting the consequences of non-compliance even among influential figures.
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I think the government should give more time for people to pay their C-of-O fees before revoking their land rights. Its just not fair!
I dont get why people are surprised about losing land rights for not paying fees. Rules are rules! #AbujaLandRevocations
Why should high-profile allottees get special treatment? Pay your fees like everyone else! Fair is fair.
I think its unfair for high-profile allottees to lose rights over non-payment. Everyone deserves a fair chance. #JusticeForAll #AbujaLandRevocations