Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has revoked the land allocations of renowned politicians, including Senators Douye Diri and Hope Uzodimma, the governors of Bayelsa and Imo States, and other well-known individuals.
This ruling also affects Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, former Enugu State Governor Chimaroke Nnamani, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, and Senator Samuel Anyanwu, National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The reason for the revocation is that these individuals, out of the 568 allottees, neglected to pay the fees associated with their Certificates of Occupancy (C of O).
The Right of Occupancy (R of O) withdrawal came after a two-week grace period first offered to 762 defaulters, according to Lere Olayinka, the FCT Minister’s media aide.
As said by Olayinka, “It should be recalled that in early October 2024, a total of 3,273 were offered two weeks to pay their bills or lose their R-of-O titles, out of which 2,511 complied, leaving 762. The 762 allottees were further allowed another grace of two weeks to pay, but as at January 15, this year, 12 days after the expiration of the weeks, only 194 paid, leaving 568.”
2,511 of the original 3,273 allottees followed the October 2024 payment order; however, 762 did not make their payments by the due date. The FCT Administration (FCTA) granted an additional two-week extension, which ended on January 15, 2025. Just 194 allottees met their duties during this time, leaving 568 in default.
High-profile people included in the rescinded land allocations include:
-
- Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa: Chairperson, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM)
- Hon. Oluwole Oke: Federal Lawmaker, Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency
- Senator Samuel Anyanwu: National Secretary, PDP
- Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro
- Former Governor Chimaroke Nnamani
FCTA’s Legal Foundation and Notice
The FCTA used Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978, which gives the government the authority to take land away from people who don’t follow the conditions of their grant, including paying off all debts.
According to the public notice: “The Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA 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 (C-of-O) 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 for contravention of the terms of grant which obligated the title/interest holders to settle all bills.”
The FCTA’s decision to revoke the land allocations of 568 individuals, including prominent political figures, underscores the administration’s commitment to enforcing compliance with land use regulations.
Despite multiple extensions and reminders, these allottees failed to meet their obligations by settling the required Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) fees. Citing Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978, the FCTA has reaffirmed its authority to withdraw land rights for non-compliance, emphasizing accountability and adherence to legal terms as the cornerstone of land administration in the Federal Capital Territory.
