Nyesom Wike, the Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has ordered the revocation of 762 plots of land owned by a host of high-profile figures. This includes former President Muhammadu Buhari, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen. The plots, all located in the prestigious Maitama 1 District of Abuja, are now at the centre of a major controversy after the individuals and corporate entities failed to settle their outstanding Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) fees.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has issued public notices confirming the revocation, with Wike highlighting that these actions are in accordance with the provisions of the Land Use Act of 1978. The Minister also made it clear that failure to pay the outstanding fees would result in the forfeiture of Rights of Occupancy (R-of-O) for an additional 614 individuals and companies. A strict two-week deadline was given for the payment of these dues, after which further revocations will take place.
This sweeping action has raised eyebrows across the political spectrum, as it targets not only former heads of state and government officials but also several current and former lawmakers. Among those affected are former Governors Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, Ben Ayade of Cross River, Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa, Shaaba Lafiagi of Kwara, Ahmad Sani of Zamfara, and Kabiru Gaya of Kano. The list of prominent political figures also includes former Senate leaders like Enyinnaya Abaribe, Abdul Ningi, Sunday Karimi, Abdulfatai Buhari, Dino Melaye, Barnabas Gemade, Shehu Sani, and several others.
The notices issued by the FCTA cite Section 28 of the Land Use Act, which provides the legal framework for the revocation of land rights in cases of non-compliance with the terms of occupancy. According to the Act, the non-payment of statutory fees such as the C-of-O charges is a clear breach of the agreement, justifying the government’s intervention. The law empowers the FCT Minister to revoke rights of occupancy if any of the terms of the certificate are violated, which in this case, include failing to pay fees within the stipulated grace period.
The list of individuals and organisations facing the brunt of the revocation includes both prominent politicians and influential figures in the business world. Some of the other names on the list include Andy Uba, Biodun Olujimi, Agom Jarigbe, Kingsley Chinda, Ben Obi, and former Ebonyi State Governor Sam Egwu. The reach of the revocation order underscores the vast network of individuals in positions of power who hold valuable plots in the FCT, further fueling criticism of how such prime land has been allocated over the years.
The government’s move has sparked debates on the fairness and transparency of the allocation of public land to influential figures. Critics argue that such plots should be held to the highest standards of accountability, and the revocation is a necessary step toward ensuring that public resources are not exploited by the elite for personal gain.
However, the revocation has also led to a backlash from those affected, many of whom have vowed to challenge the action in court.
In the interim, Wike has remained firm in his stance, warning all affected parties to settle their outstanding bills within two weeks to avoid losing their land rights. Whether the affected individuals will comply, or the matter will escalate further into legal challenges, remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that Wike is sending a strong message: no one, not even Nigeria’s most powerful figures, is above the law when it comes to the proper management of the nation’s resources.
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