In a bold move to enforce compliance with land regulations, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revoked land allocations belonging to high-profile political figures, including governors, senators, and other influential Nigerians. Among those affected are the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri; the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma; Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele; and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
This decision affects 568 allottees of prime plots in Maitama II, Cadastral Zone A10, Abuja, who failed to pay their Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) fees despite multiple extensions. The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) cited Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978 as the legal basis for withdrawing their Rights of Occupancy (R-of-O).
A High-Profile List of Defaulters
The affected individuals include prominent political and public figures, such as former Governor of Enugu State, Chimaroke Nnamani; Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro; Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa; and Hon. Oluwole Oke, a federal lawmaker representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency. These names headline a list of 568 defaulters, underscoring the breadth and significance of Wike’s crackdown.
Backstory: Warnings Ignored
This development follows an extended period of non-compliance. In October 2024, the FCTA issued notices to 3,273 land allottees, granting them a two-week ultimatum to settle their outstanding C-of-O bills or risk losing their allocations. While 2,511 complied, 762 defaulters remained.
In a show of leniency, the FCTA granted an additional two-week grace period, which expired on January 3, 2025. Despite this extension, only 194 of the 762 defaulters fulfilled their obligations, leaving 568 allottees in breach of payment deadlines. The minister’s decisive action came 12 days after the extended deadline.
Announcing the revocation, Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, stated that the FCTA remains committed to enforcing land administration laws without fear or favor. The Notice of Withdrawal explicitly informed defaulters that their R-of-O titles had been withdrawn due to non-payment, emphasizing the government’s resolve to uphold the provisions of the Land Use Act.
This sweeping revocation is part of Minister Wike’s broader agenda to sanitize land administration in the FCT and reclaim underutilized or mismanaged plots. With Maitama II being a prime location, the repossessed plots are expected to be reallocated to individuals or organizations willing to comply with the terms and conditions of land ownership in the FCT.
Wike’s move sends a clear message that non-compliance, even by the most influential figures, will not be tolerated. As the minister pushes for transparency and accountability in land administration, the ripple effects of this decision are likely to redefine how public officials and private individuals approach land acquisition and management in Abuja.
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