The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has revoked the ownership of 762 plots of land in Abuja’s prestigious Maitama district due to non-payment of statutory fees.
In a public notice issued Thursday, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) stated that the affected landowners failed to pay their Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills, resulting in the withdrawal of their rights to the plots.
High-profile individuals affected by the revocation include former President Muhammadu Buhari, former Chief Justice of Nigeria Walter Onnoghen, Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume.
Additionally, the FCTA has threatened to withdraw the Rights of Occupancy (R-of-O) for 614 other individuals and organizations unless they settle their outstanding land bills within two weeks.
A statement from the FCTA read: “The Federal Capital Territory Administration wishes to inform the allottee(s)/title holder(s) of plots of land in Maitama 1 who have failed to make payment for their Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills that their Right of Occupancy to the land/property has been withdrawn.”
This action was taken under Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978, which grants the FCT Minister authority to revoke land rights for non-compliance with payment obligations or other breaches of allocation terms.
The revoked plots include properties tied to the Muhammadu Buhari Trust Foundation, former and serving lawmakers, as well as other notable public figures such as Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani.
Minister Wike, who assumed office in August 2023, has emphasized strict enforcement of land administration policies in Abuja. In a prior statement on revocation exercises, he noted:
“When we make the right decision, some people will be happy, and some will not.”
The FCTA continues to enforce compliance to restore order and transparency in Abuja’s land allocation system.