Wike revokes lands of 568 allottees including governors, others in Abuja

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revoked the land allocations of 568 individuals in Maitama II, Cadastral Zone A10, Abuja, including prominent political figures such as Bayelsa State Governor Senator Diri Douye, Imo State Governor Senator Hope Uzodimma, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu.

According to Lere Olayinka, media aide to the minister, the revocation of the Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) was due to the failure of the affected individuals to pay their Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills within the stipulated deadlines.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) had initially issued a two-week ultimatum in October 2024 for 3,273 allottees to settle their bills or face revocation. While 2,511 complied, 762 defaulted.

An additional two-week grace period was granted to the remaining defaulters, but as of January 15, 2025—12 days after the extended deadline—only 194 of the 762 had fulfilled their obligations, leaving 568 still in default.

The list of revoked allottees includes a host of notable Nigerians, 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; Hon. Oluwole Oke, representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives among many others.

The FCTA has made it clear that the affected individuals forfeited their allocations due to non-payment, regardless of their status or position.

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A notice issued by the FCTA reads: “The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) wishes to inform the allottee(s)/title holder(s) of plot(s) of land in Maitama II, Cadastral Zone A10, Abuja, who have failed to make payment for their Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills after the expiration of the grace period granted by the Honourable Minister, Federal Capital Territory.”

The revocation underscores Minister Wike’s commitment to enforcing compliance with land administration policies in the FCT. The move is part of broader reforms to ensure efficient land management and accountability.

Observers note that the affected individuals had ample time to fulfill their financial obligations, with some questioning why prominent figures neglected their responsibilities.

Meanwhile, the decision has been met with mixed reactions from the public, with some praising the government’s resolve and others calling for leniency due to economic challenges.

The revocations may also serve as a warning to other landowners in the FCT to comply with the terms of their allocations.