FCT: Wike issues fresh ultimatum to landowners over C-Of-O

This was announced in a statement today by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka.

According to the statement, Wike emphasized that the government’s primary objective is not to strip people of their land but to ensure compliance with payment obligations.

“On October 5, 2024, a list of 3,273 allottees who had not paid for their C-of-O was published. They were given two weeks to settle their bills or lose their Right of Occupancy (R-of-O). Out of this number, 2,511 complied, leaving 762 defaulters,” the statement noted.

It further disclosed that a notice of withdrawal of R-of-O titles for the 762 defaulters was recently issued, prompting many affected individuals to express willingness to pay. In response, the government granted an additional two-week grace period.

The 762 defaulters, along with 614 other allottees with outstanding payments, now have until January 3, 2025, to settle their dues.

Failure to do so will result in the withdrawal of their R-of-O titles under Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978.

The government has stated that no further extensions will be granted, and defaulters’ titles will be permanently revoked after the deadline.

This ultimatum follows Wike’s recent revocation of plots in Maitama II belonging to several high-profile individuals, including former President Muhammadu Buhari, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, along with 759 other prominent figures and organizations, for non-payment of C-of-O.

The minister also warned that lands owned by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda; former Senate Presidents Iyorchia Ayu and Ameh Ebute; Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno; and 610 others would be revoked if outstanding C-of-O fees are not paid within two weeks.

These actions come after months of appeals by Wike urging FCT residents, particularly those in affluent areas, to pay their outstanding fees or risk losing their lands.