No More Excuses: Wike’s Stern Warning To Defaulting Abuja Landowners On C-of-O

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a new ultimatum to 762 plot owners in Maitama II District, Cadastral Zone A10, Abuja.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The affected landowners have been given two weeks to settle payments for their Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) or risk permanent revocation of their land allocations.

This directive was announced on Friday in a statement by Lere Olayinka, Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media. The minister clarified that the government’s goal is not to seize land but to enforce compliance with payment obligations.

“It should be recalled that on October 5, 2024, a list of 3,273 allottees and title holders who had yet to pay for their C-of-O was published. They were given a two-week deadline to comply or lose their Rights of Occupancy (R-of-O). Out of the total, 2,511 complied, leaving 762 defaulters,” the statement explained.

On Thursday, a public notice was issued, withdrawing the R-of-O titles of these defaulters. Following the notice, many of the affected landowners reached out, expressing willingness to make payments. In response, Wike granted a two-week extension, setting a new deadline of January 3, 2025, for compliance.

“After January 3, 2025, no further extensions will be granted, and revocation of R-of-O titles for defaulters will be final,” the statement warned.

This ultimatum comes after Wike revoked land allocations of 759 prominent individuals and organizations, including former President Muhammadu Buhari, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, citing non-payment for C-of-O as the reason.

The minister also warned other influential figures, including Minority Leader of the House of Representatives Kingsley Chinda, former Senate Presidents Iyorchia Ayu and Ameh Ebute, and Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno, along with 610 others, to pay their outstanding fees to the FCTA within the stipulated two weeks or risk revocation of their land titles.