Wike Revokes Land Allocations of Governors and Political Bigwigs
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has taken decisive action by revoking the land allocations of 568 prominent individuals, including several governors, senators, and other political figures. Among those affected are Bayelsa State Governor Senator Douye Diri, Imo State Governor Senator Hope Uzodimma, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
The revocation of their Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) was due to their failure to pay the required Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) fees despite being granted an additional two-week grace period. This move was confirmed by Lere Olayinka, the media aide to Minister Wike.
Other notable figures whose land allocations were withdrawn include former Enugu State Governor Chimaroke Nnamani, Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, and Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), as well as Hon. Oluwole Oke, a federal lawmaker representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency.
The FCTA had initially given 3,273 land allottees a two-week window in October 2024 to pay their C-of-O bills or face the withdrawal of their land titles. While 2,511 individuals complied with the directive, 762 failed to meet the deadline. These remaining allottees were given another two-week grace period, but by January 15, 2025, only 194 had made the necessary payments. As a result, 568 individuals saw their land titles revoked.
A notice issued by the FCTA explained that the revocations were in accordance with Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978, as the allottees had failed to fulfill the payment obligations tied to their land grants. The notice further clarified that any allottees who had completed their payments by January 15, 2025, would not be affected by the revocation.
The withdrawal of these land titles highlights the FCTA’s commitment to enforcing regulations and ensuring compliance with land use and payment policies in the Federal Capital Territory.
