By Joy Yesufu
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revoked 762 plots of land in Abuja for failing to pay the required Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) fees.
This decision affects several prominent figures, including former President Muhammadu Buhari and former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen.
Additionally, Wike issued a two-week ultimatum to 614 other individuals and corporations to settle their outstanding bills or face similar revocations of their Rights of Occupancy (R-of-O).
The affected plots are located in the Maitama II District of the FCT.
Other notable individuals affected by the revocation include Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and former governors Rochas Okorocha, Ben Ayade, Seriake Dickson, and others.
Also, former and current lawmakers such as Enyinnaya Abaribe, Dino Melaye, and Shehu Sani are also among those whose plots were revoked.
The FCTA announced this action on Thursday in a statement.
“The Federal Capital Territory Administration wishes to inform title holders of plots in Maitama I who have failed to make payments for their C-of-O bills after the expiration of a grace period that their rights to the land have been withdrawn, pursuant to Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978.
“Section 28 of the Land Use Act empowers authorities to revoke rights of occupancy due to breaches of contract terms related to land holding.
“This action underscores the FCTA’s commitment to enforcing compliance with land use regulations in the capital.”
