The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has demonstrated his commitment to enforcing compliance with land use regulations in Abuja by revoking the land allocations of 568 individuals, including prominent political figures.
Among the affected are Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu. Others include former Governor of Enugu State Chimaroke Nnamani, Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, and the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Honorable Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
This decision pertains to plots in Maitama II, Cadastral Zone A10, Abuja. It was necessitated by the failure of these allottees to pay for their Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) despite being granted a two-week grace period, which was later extended. As of January 15, 2025, only 194 out of 762 defaulters had settled their bills, prompting the withdrawal of rights for the remaining 568.
Lere Olayinka, an aide to the Minister, confirmed that the revocation was carried out in line with Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978, which permits the withdrawal of land rights when grant terms are violated. Wike’s decisive action is seen as part of his no-nonsense approach to governance, which aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's call to curb what he described as the “anyhowness” that has characterized land administration in the country.
This move is expected to serve as a wake-up call to all land allottees to comply with the regulations guiding land ownership in the FCT. It also underscores the FCT Administration’s commitment to maintaining order and transparency in Abuja’s urban planning.
Tags
News