New Deadline Set for Landowners to Settle C-of-O Dues
Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has granted a two-week extension for the payment of Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) by owners of 762 plots in Maitama II District, Cadastral Zone, A10, Abuja. The non-compliance will lead to the final revocation of land allocations.
Government’s Intent Clarified
According to a statement released by Lere Olayinka, Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, the minister emphasized that the goal is not to strip individuals of their properties but to ensure compliance with payment obligations to the government.
Previous Compliance and Current Actions
The minister highlighted that from an earlier list of 3,273 allottees who had not paid for their C-of-Os, 2,511 had complied with the initial ultimatum issued on October 5, 2024. However, the 762 remaining defaulters now face this fresh deadline to avoid losing their land rights.
Final Notice on Revocation
The statement clarified that after January 3, 2025, no further extensions will be granted, and the revocation of the Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) titles for those who fail to pay will be absolute, in accordance with Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978.
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High-Profile Revocations
This ultimatum follows closely after Wike revoked land allocations of several high-profile figures, including former President Muhammadu Buhari, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and Secretary George Akume, due to unpaid C-of-O fees. Additionally, 759 other prominent individuals and organizations in the same district faced similar action.
Broader Implications
Wike has previously urged residents in Abuja, especially those in hybrid areas, to settle their dues to avoid land revocation, signaling a consistent policy to enforce compliance with land administration regulations in the FCT.
