The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has issued a stern warning to prominent individuals and corporate organizations in Abuja, threatening to revoke their Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) over unpaid land bills. The affected landowners, who own plots in the prestigious Maitama II District, have been given a two-week ultimatum to settle all outstanding payments or face losing their property rights.
This notice, titled “Demand Notice for Payment of Right of Occupancy Bills for Issuance of Certificates of Occupancy on All Lands Allocated at Maitama II District, Cadastral Zone A10, Abuja,” was directed at 3,273 allottees. The FCTA emphasized that this action is a result of ongoing infrastructural development within the district.
“The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), through the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), is carrying out infrastructural development in Maitama II (A10) District,” the notice stated. “All allottees who have not paid their bills for the Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) are hereby advised to settle their bills in full within two (2) weeks from the date of this publication.”
The administration warned that failure to comply within the two-week grace period would result in the revocation of their Rights of Occupancy (R of O), and the plots would be reallocated. “All affected allottees are informed that failure to pay all outstanding land bills, rents, fees, and charges within the stipulated grace period will result in the withdrawal of the offers of Rights of Occupancy (R-of-O) over the said plots of land by the Honourable Minister of the FCT, and reallocation of the lands.”
Among the high-profile individuals listed are Yusuf Buhari and Zahra Buhari, children of former President Muhammadu Buhari, and Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President. Other prominent figures include Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker of the House of Representatives; George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF); Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior; and former Senate President Bukola Saraki.
Notable former and current lawmakers, such as Dino Melaye, Stella Oduah, and Saliu Mustapha, as well as ex-governors including Theodore Orji, Rochas Okorocha, and Gabriel Suswam, are also among the landowners at risk. The list highlights the extensive involvement of key political and governmental figures in Abuja’s high-end real estate sector.
The FCTA’s decision to enforce stricter compliance comes amid growing concerns over delayed payments for land allocations in Abuja, especially in prime locations like Maitama II. This move signals the administration’s determination to ensure that landowners fulfill their financial obligations to support the city’s infrastructural development, which has been a priority for the Federal Capital Territory Development Authority (FCDA).
The Maitama II District, known for housing some of Nigeria’s most influential individuals, has been undergoing significant development, with the government investing heavily in its infrastructure to position it as one of Abuja’s most exclusive residential areas. The FCTA’s ultimatum to revoke land titles if payments are not made may create a ripple effect across Abuja’s real estate market, as more landowners could be held accountable for outstanding bills in other parts of the city.
Some stakeholders, including legal experts and property developers, have raised concerns about the potential legal battles that could arise if the FCTA follows through with its threat. They argue that such an action could lead to widespread disputes and lawsuits, especially involving individuals with political and economic influence. Nonetheless, the FCTA seems resolute in its commitment to recover unpaid funds and ensure the efficient use of allocated lands.
