Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has revoked Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) for 762 plots of land in Maitama 1 District and other prime areas of Abuja. This sweeping action has thrown prominent figures, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, and major organizations into turmoil as they scramble to address their losses.
One of the revoked plots includes land belonging to the Muhammadu Buhari Trust Foundation. Shehu Garba, media aide to the former president, clarified that the foundation,not Buhari himself—owned the property. Garba explained that the foundation lawfully acquired the land but faced excessive billing issues from the FCT Development Authority. He further highlighted Buhari’s long-standing disinterest in personal land acquisition, noting how the former president even rejected offers to apply for additional land during his tenure.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) delivered the news through a public notice, which also issued a stern two-week ultimatum to 614 additional allottees. Those who fail to clear outstanding bills on their plots face the loss of their Rights of Occupancy (R-of-O). Wike’s decision, part of his ongoing reforms, aims to enforce land use regulations and tackle non-compliance across the capital.
The revoked plots impact a wide range of high-profile individuals. Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, former Chief Justice of Nigeria Walter Onnoghen, and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani feature prominently on the list. Former governors such as Rochas Okorocha (Imo), Ben Ayade (Cross River), and Kabiru Gaya (Kano) also lost their allocations.
Lawmakers were not spared, with Senators Dino Melaye, Enyinnaya Abaribe, and Abdul Ningi among the affected. Former Deputy Speaker Chibudom Nwuche and Senate Leader Teslim Folarin also had their plots revoked. Corporate giants, including BUA Group, Julius Berger Nigeria, and Honeywell Construction, lost their prime plots in Katampe and the Idu Industrial Area.
The FCTA attributed the revocations to violations of land use conditions and non-payment of statutory fees. Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978 gives authorities the power to revoke land rights when owners fail to meet financial or regulatory obligations tied to their allocations.
Minister Wike defended his actions, describing them as necessary steps to restore order and eliminate irregularities in the FCT. He set a fixed cost of N5 million for obtaining a C-of-O, giving allottees a four-month window to comply. Wike also vowed to end practices like multiple allocations of the same plot.
The revocations have ignited widespread reactions. Supporters praise Wike’s firm approach to addressing Abuja’s land management challenges, while critics argue the actions unfairly target prominent individuals.
The controversy escalated after the revocation of the Muhammadu Buhari Trust Foundation’s plot drew public attention. Garba rebuked online misinformation, stressing that the foundation’s difficulties stemmed from bureaucratic inefficiencies, not wrongdoing.
This recent crackdown follows a similar move last year when Wike revoked 165 plots. Despite backlash, the minister remains resolute, declaring his willingness to disrupt the privileges of wealthy landholders to push through his reforms.
As the two-week deadline approaches, affected allottees must act swiftly to avoid losing their properties permanently. The fallout from this aggressive policy continues to dominate discussions across Abuja, leaving residents and stakeholders on edge.