Wike
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revoked 762 plots of land in Abuja, citing non-payment for Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O). The affected plots, located in the upscale Maitama 1 District, belong to prominent individuals and corporate organizations.
In addition, Wike has issued a two-week ultimatum to 614 other individuals and companies to settle their outstanding bills for Rights of Occupancy (R-of-O) or face revocation of their plots. These decisions were announced in public notices issued by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
High-Profile Names Affected
Among those whose C-of-O were revoked are:
Muhammadu Buhari Trust Foundation (linked to former President Muhammadu Buhari)
Walter Onnoghen (former Chief Justice of Nigeria)
Abbas Tajudeen (Speaker, House of Representatives)
George Akume (Secretary to the Government of the Federation)
Uba Sani (Governor, Kaduna State)
Former governors Rochas Okorocha, Ben Ayade, Seriake Dickson, and others
Several current and former lawmakers are also on the list, including Enyinnaya Abaribe, Dino Melaye, Abdulmumin Jibrin, and Chinyere Igwe.
Legal Basis for Revocation
The revocations are grounded in Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978, which allows authorities to revoke land rights due to violations such as non-payment of statutory fees. The FCTA emphasized that the grace period for compliance had expired.
Lawmakers and Politicians Ordered to Pay
The notice also warned high-profile individuals, including former Senate Presidents Iyorchia Ayu and Ameh Ebute, to pay outstanding bills within two weeks or risk losing their plots. Other affected individuals include serving lawmakers like Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno and former Aviation Minister Stella Oduah.
Previous Revocations
Since assuming office in August 2023, Wike has made land reforms a priority. In September, he revoked 165 undeveloped plots, including those belonging to notable figures such as Peter Obi (2023 Labour Party presidential candidate) and Liyel Imoke (former governor of Cross River State).
Corporate entities have also been affected. Companies like BUA, Julius Berger, and Honeywell Construction lost their allocations for failing to meet development requirements.
Commitment to Reform
Wike has reiterated his commitment to reforms that prioritize public good, even at the expense of powerful interests. In November, he stated, “The rich will kick against some of our decisions, but anything that will help our people must be done.”
The minister has also capped the cost of obtaining a C-of-O at N5 million, with a four-month payment window. He aims to end multiple allocations of the same plot to different individuals.
This bold move underscores Wike’s determination to enforce compliance and improve land administration in the FCT.
