Wike revokes land allocations to Buhari, Akume, Reps Speaker, issues ultimatum to 614 others

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has revoked the ownership of 762 plots of land in the Maitama 1 District of Abuja due to the non-payment of statutory fees.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, has also issued a two-week ultimatum to 614 other individuals and organizations, demanding that they settle outstanding Rights of Occupancy, R-of-O, fees or face the risk of losing their plots.

“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payment for their Certificate of Occupancy, C-of-O, bills that their Right of Occupancy to the land/property has been withdrawn,” the FCTA notice stated.

This action was taken under Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978, which empowers the minister to revoke rights of occupancy for non-compliance with payment obligations or breaches of other allocation terms.

Prominent names on the list include Muhammadu Buhari Trust Foundation, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, and former governors Rochas Okorocha and Ben Ayade.

Others affected include Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno and Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen.

Wike, who assumed office in August 2023, has consistently vowed to enforce land administration in the FCT.

“When we make the right decision, some people will be happy, and some will not,” he said during an earlier revocation exercise.

“The rich will kick against some of our decisions, but anything that will help our people must be done,” he added.