The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has given owners of the 762 plots of land in Maitama II District, Cadastral Zone, A10, Abuja, a fresh two-week ultimatum to pay for their Certificates of Occupancy, C-of-O.
A statement issued on Friday by the Minister’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, said the land owners risk final revocation of their allocations if they fail to meet up with the fresh ultimatum.
There were reports on Thursday that the minister had ordered the revocation of allocations belonging to some prominent Nigerians including Muhammadu Buhari Trust Foundation, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, former governor Rochas Okorocha, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, among others.
However, the FCT minister in a statement on Friday noted that the primary interest was not for people to lose their lands, but to compel them to make necessary payments to the government.
The statement read; “It should be recalled that on October 5, 2024, list of 3,273 allottees/title holders that were yet to pay for their C-of-O were published. They were offered two weeks to pay their bills or lose their Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) titles. Out of the 3,273, a total of 2,511 complied, leaving 762.
“Yesterday, notice of withdrawal of the R-of-O titles of the 762 defaulters was published.
“Since then, many of the affected allottees have offered to pay, and since the primary aim of the government is to ensure payment, a two weeks grace has been given.
“Consequently, the 762 allottees and the 614 others with outstanding payment on C-of-O will have till January 3, 2025 to pay, or have their R-of-O titles withdrawn, pursuant to the provisions of Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978.
“After January 3, 2025, there will be no further extension and withdrawal of the R-of-O titles of defaulters will be final.”
