The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has revoked the titles of 762 plots of land in Abuja’s upscale Maitama District, citing non-payment of statutory fees, including charges for Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O).
This sweeping action affects several prominent individuals and organizations, including a foundation bearing the name of former President Muhammadu Buhari, former Chief Justice of Nigeria Walter Onnoghen, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume.
In response to the media buzz surrounding the revocation, former President Buhari’s spokesman, Garba Shehu, clarified that Buhari is not the owner of the revoked land.
According to Shehu, the land was allocated to the “Muhammadu Buhari Foundation,” not the former President himself, who already possesses a plot of land in Abuja.
Shehu further explained that the foundation, established by Buhari’s supporters, encountered challenges with the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) due to exorbitant fees for the issuance of the C-of-O.
He described the charges as unusually high compared to similar organizations, suggesting either an administrative error or deliberate obstruction.
The notice from the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) justified the revocations under Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978, which grants the Minister authority to withdraw land rights for non-compliance with financial obligations.
The FCTA stated that all affected landowners failed to settle their C-of-O bills, leading to the forfeiture of their rights.
The revocation list also includes the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno, and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani.
Other notable names include former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Chibudom Nwuche, former Senate Leader Teslim Folarin, and former Senators Andy Uba and Smart Adeyemi. Additionally, Regina Akume, the wife of SGF George Akume, was named among the defaulters.
The FCTA issued an additional warning to 614 other individuals and entities, urging them to clear their outstanding bills within two weeks to avoid losing their land rights.
In its statement, the FCTA emphasized its commitment to ensuring compliance with land regulations, stating that any failure to meet payment deadlines would result in the withdrawal of Rights of Occupancy.
Minister Wike’s decisive move has drawn mixed reactions. While some have praised it as a bold step toward enforcing accountability and transparency in Abuja’s land administration, others have raised concerns about fairness and the possibility of selective enforcement.
Affected parties are expected to either challenge the revocation or settle the required payments to reclaim their land rights.