Kehinde Fajobi
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has granted a fresh two-week deadline to owners of 762 plots in Maitama II District, Abuja, to settle their outstanding payments for Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) or face permanent revocation of their allocations.
This was announced on Friday in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, who emphasised the government’s intent to ensure compliance, not to strip citizens of their land.
The statement read: “It should be recalled that on October 5, 2024, a list of 3,273 allottees/title holders yet to pay for their C-of-O was published.
“They were offered two weeks to pay their bills or lose their Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) titles. Out of the 3,273, a total of 2,511 complied, leaving 762.”
It continued: “Yesterday, a notice of withdrawal of the R-of-O titles of the 762 defaulters was published. Since then, many of the affected allottees have offered to pay, and since the primary aim of the government is to ensure payment, a two-week grace has been given.”
The deadline for payment now stands at January 3, 2025. The statement added: “After January 3, 2025, no further extension will be granted, and withdrawal of the R-of-O titles of defaulters will be final, pursuant to the provisions of Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978.”
The ultimatum follows Wike’s recent revocation of 762 plots in the same district over non-payment of C-of-O fees.
High-profile individuals such as former President Muhammadu Buhari, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume were among those affected.
The minister also issued warnings to Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, former Senate Presidents Iyorchia Ayu and Ameh Ebute, Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno, and 610 others to settle their outstanding dues or risk losing their plots.
Wike’s actions align with earlier calls urging FCT residents, particularly those in premium areas, to clear their outstanding obligations to the FCTA or face the loss of their land rights.