The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has dropped a bombshell for landowners in Abuja.
He has issued a strict two-week ultimatum to 762 plot owners in Maitama II District, Cadastral Zone A10.
Their offence? Failing to pay for their Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O).
Wike’s warning is simple: pay up by January 3, 2025, or lose your land titles for good.
This firm stance was made public on Friday through a statement by Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka.
No Intentions to Dispossess, Says Wike
Minister Wike assured the public that the government’s aim is not to seize land unnecessarily.
Instead, he explained that compliance with payment obligations is crucial.
“Government must generate revenue to provide essential services,” he said.
The statement reminded allottees of an earlier publication made on October 5, 2024.
In that publication, a list of 3,273 defaulters was released.
The government initially gave those landowners two weeks to settle their bills.
Out of the total, 2,511 complied, but 762 failed to make payments.
Warning Notice Issued
This week, another warning notice was published, announcing the withdrawal of the Rights of Occupancy (R-of-O) titles for the 762 defaulters.
According to Wike’s aide, the move prompted many affected individuals to rush forward, pledging to settle their debts.
The government, showing leniency, extended the payment deadline by another two weeks.
Final Grace Period Ends January 3, 2025
Wike has now made it clear that there will be no further extensions.
“After January 3, 2025, defaulters will face the final revocation of their R-of-O titles,” the statement read.
The decision, Wike noted, aligns with Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978.
He added, “The government is determined to uphold fairness, but compliance is non-negotiable.”
Tackling a Culture of Defaulting
This directive reflects Wike’s tough stance on non-compliance and financial indiscipline.
Land in Abuja, particularly in prime locations like Maitama II, is highly valuable.
Experts say the minister’s actions aim to address a culture of entitlement among some landowners.
“The problem of unpaid land dues has persisted for years,” a property consultant in Abuja, Samuel Adedeji, explained.
“This ultimatum is a wake-up call for landowners to meet their obligations.”
Land Use Act: The Legal Backbone
Wike’s actions are grounded in the Land Use Act of 1978.
The Act empowers the government to revoke land rights for non-compliance with stipulated conditions.
Section 28 of the Act particularly grants the government authority to withdraw rights if payment obligations are not met.
“The law is clear. If you don’t comply, the government has the right to revoke your allocation,” said Barrister Joy Nwosu, a property law expert.
Public Reactions
Reactions to Wike’s ultimatum have been mixed.
While some commend the minister for enforcing accountability, others feel the grace period is too short.
A Maitama II resident, Ibrahim Musa, described the move as “necessary but harsh.”
“Landowners have had months to pay. Why are they waiting till the last minute?” he asked.
On social media, some users accused the government of being too focused on revenue generation.
Others, however, applauded the decision, saying it would discourage land hoarding.
One tweet read: “If you can afford land in Maitama II, you can afford to pay your dues.”
Historical Context: Abuja Land Allocation
Abuja’s land allocation system has often been a source of controversy.
The city, designed as Nigeria’s capital in the 1970s, follows a planned cadastral system.
The government allocates plots to individuals and organisations with strict guidelines for development and payment.
Over the years, however, non-compliance with these rules has led to disputes.
Wike’s directive is seen as an effort to restore order to Abuja’s land management system.
A Reputation for Bold Decisions
Since assuming office, Wike has earned a reputation for making bold and sometimes controversial decisions.
This is not the first time he has taken drastic action regarding land matters.
Earlier this year, he revoked land titles belonging to high-profile individuals, including former government officials.
Critics have accused him of being too aggressive, but supporters argue that his actions are necessary to ensure fairness.
One supporter, Esther Okoro, said, “Wike is cleaning up years of neglect. This is what Abuja needs.”
Revenue Generation and Service Delivery
The government’s push for compliance is also tied to revenue generation.
Certificates of Occupancy are a major source of income for the FCT Administration.
Funds generated from these payments are used to improve infrastructure and public services.
Wike’s ultimatum, therefore, is part of a broader strategy to boost the FCT’s finances.
