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Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, has revoked 762 land plots in Abuja, targeting prominent individuals and corporate entities for failing to comply with payment requirements for Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O). Among those affected are former President Muhammadu Buhari, ex-Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
The revoked properties, located in the upscale Maitama 1 District, are part of a crackdown on defaulters by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). The administration issued public notices and warned an additional 614 landholders to clear their dues within two weeks or face similar actions.
### **High-Profile Names on the List**
The revocation impacts several former governors, including Rochas Okorocha (Imo), Ben Ayade (Cross River), Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa), Shaaba Lafiagi (Kwara), Ahmad Sani (Zamfara), and Kabiru Gaya (Kano). Current and former lawmakers such as Enyinnaya Abaribe, Dino Melaye, Shehu Sani, and Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno are also named.
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The list further includes prominent figures like former Minister of Aviation Stella Oduah, former Ebonyi Governor Sam Egwu, and Edo State Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa. Corporate organizations were not exempt, with several companies also facing revocation notices.
### **Legal Backing and Urgency**
The FCTA cited Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978, which allows authorities to revoke land rights for non-compliance with statutory obligations. Specifically, the act empowers the FCT minister to withdraw rights of occupancy for breaches such as non-payment of required fees.
The notice emphasized that affected individuals and entities have two weeks to settle their outstanding payments or permanently lose their land titles. The administration described the non-payment as a direct violation of the terms under which the plots were allocated.
### **Policy Enforcement**
This move highlights Wike’s commitment to enforcing compliance with land administration laws in Abuja. By holding high-profile individuals and organizations accountable, the minister aims to streamline property management and address longstanding issues of non-payment.
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As the deadline approaches, all eyes are on how affected parties will respond to the ultimatum. The FCT administration has signaled that no one, regardless of status, is exempt from the consequences of non-compliance.
