Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has revoked the allocations of 568 landowners in the Maitama II area of Abuja over non-payment of Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills. The decision, announced by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on January 16, 2025, affects prominent figures, including governors, lawmakers, and political party officials.
The FCTA cited Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978 as the legal basis for the action, stating that it followed the expiration of a grace period granted by the minister. The administration clarified that individuals who settled their C-of-O bills on or before January 15, 2025, were exempt from the revocation.
Prominent individuals affected include Hope Uzodimma, Governor of Imo State; Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State; Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM); Opeyemi Bamidele, Senate Leader; Chimaroke Nnamani, former Governor of Enugu State; and Samuel Anyanwu, National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
This move follows Wike’s earlier efforts to enforce compliance. On October 5, 2024, the FCTA published a list of 3,273 title holders who had defaulted on payments. While 2,511 individuals cleared their bills after the announcement, 762 remained in default. In December 2024, Wike issued a final two-week ultimatum, which led to the current revocation for 568 defaulters.
The minister’s actions highlight his commitment to enforcing land use policies and ensuring compliance with financial obligations. The affected plots in Maitama II, one of Abuja’s prime locations, are now subject to reallocation or further administrative decisions.
