The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, is working to recover about N30 billion owed by 1,376 individuals and businesses who have defaulted on their payments for Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) in Abuja’s Maitama District.
Perm the public notices released by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), 762 defaulters who have not made any payments owe N22.8 billion. Additionally, 614 allottees who have only partially met their Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) payment obligations are responsible for an outstanding amount of N11.6 billion.
Quality Real Estate Investment Limited, owing N5.9 billion, the Muhammadu Buhari Trust Foundation with a debt of N1.2 billion, and B.M.O Real Estate & Construction Company at N709 million are among those who have not made any payments. Additional defaulters include prominent entities like Bil & Labily Limited, Jordan Farms & Estate Limited, and Emirate Luxury Suite Limited, which have debts between N139 million and N634 million.
Cristom Integrated Technologies, NFIU Staff Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited, and Dana Global Ventures each have outstanding balances ranging from N58 million to N210 million.
Minister Wike has given defaulters a new two-week deadline to pay their debts or risk having their land titles revoked. “What we need is the money,” stated Wike through his media aide, Lere Olayinka, stressing that the main objective is compliance rather than taking away people’s land.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration had previously issued a warning to defaulters in October, noting that only 2,511 out of the 3,273 allottees had complied. Mr. Olayinka emphasized that there will be no additional extensions beyond January 3, 2025.
Among the defaulters are prominent individuals such as former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen; House Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen; Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani; and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume. Additionally named were notable companies including BUA Group, Julius Berger Nigeria, and Honeywell Construction Limited.
According to the Land Use Act of 1979, the FCTA has the legal right to revoke land titles if statutory fees are not paid or allocated plots remain undeveloped. Since taking office in August 2023, Minister Wike has committed to revamping land administration in the FCT by implementing measures that prevent multiple allocations of identical parcels and promote efficient use of land.
As part of his reforms, Mr. Wike annulled the certificates of occupancy for 165 undeveloped plots in September, impacting numerous high-profile individuals such as Peter Obi and Liyel Imoke, the former Governor of Cross River. The minister has insisted that these actions are aimed at serving the public interest.
“The wealthy may resist some of our decisions, but we must do whatever is necessary to benefit our people,” Wike stated at a press briefing.
The FCTA has established the fee for acquiring a C-of-O at N5 million, with applicants given a four-month period to make payments. Additionally, the minister revealed plans to link applicants’ National Identification Numbers (NINs) with their Certificates of Occupancy to deter fraudulent allocations.
Minister Wike has raised concerns regarding the integrity of the Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) issuance process. He stated, “I have stopped signing because I lack trust in the C-of-Os presented to me for signature. I want to avoid endorsing a C-of-O that has already been assigned to someone else.”
Peoplesmind
