Abuja Landowners Alert: Nyesom Wike Issues Fresh Ultimatum on Bill Settlements
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has issued a two-week ultimatum to owners of 762 plots in Maitama II District, Cadastral Zone A10, Abuja, to settle outstanding payments for their Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) or face permanent revocation of their land allocations.
This directive follows an earlier notice on October 5, 2024, where 3,273 allottees were identified as having unpaid C-of-O fees and were given two weeks to comply. Subsequently, 2,511 allottees fulfilled their obligations, leaving 762 in default. In response, the FCT Administration published a notice of withdrawal of Rights of Occupancy (R-of-O) for these defaulters.
However, after receiving commitments from many affected allottees to make payments, the administration has extended a final two-week grace period, ending on January 3, 2025. Failure to comply by this date will result in irrevocable revocation of their land titles, in accordance with Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978.
In a related development, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, clarified that he is not indebted to the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA). He stated that he settled all obligations concerning his land allocation in October 2024, following the FCTA’s public notices. Tajudeen advised the FCTA to exercise greater caution in handling such matters to prevent misinformation.
Minister Wike emphasized that the primary objective is to ensure compliance with payment obligations rather than to dispossess individuals of their land. He reiterated that there would be no further extensions beyond the January 3, 2025 deadline, and defaulters would face final revocation of their land titles.