By Alexis Uchendu
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a two-week ultimatum for owners of 762 plots in Maitama II District, Abuja, to settle outstanding Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O), fees or face permanent revocation of their land titles.
The deadline is set for January 3, 2025.
In a statement on Friday, Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, clarified that the goal is to ensure compliance, not revoke land titles.
This follows the publication of a list of 3,273 defaulters on October 5, 2024, of which 2,511 complied, leaving 762 in default.
“Notices of withdrawal of R-of-O titles for the 762 defaulters were published. Many affected allottees have since offered to pay, prompting the government to extend the grace period by two weeks,” the statement read.
Additionally, 614 other landowners with unpaid fees have been given until January 3, 2025, to clear their dues.
After this date, no further extensions will be granted, and titles will be permanently revoked.
This action aligns with Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978, which empowers the government to revoke occupancy rights for non-payment or non-compliance.
