The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has nullified the land ownership of prominent Nigerians, including former President Muhammadu Buhari, ex-Chief Justice of Nigeria Walter Onnoghen, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
This move follows an earlier warning issued by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) in October, stating that land titles of individuals and organizations in Abuja could be revoked if outstanding payments for Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) were not made.
FCT Administration Ultimatum
On Friday, October 5, 2024, the FCTA published a notice warning landowners in the Maitama District of Abuja. They were given two weeks to clear all outstanding payments related to their C-of-O or risk losing their property rights.
In an updated notice released on Thursday, the FCTA announced the cancellation of ownership for 762 plots in Maitama. The affected landowners were accused of failing to pay statutory fees and neglecting to settle their C-of-O bills.
Additionally, the administration threatened to revoke the Rights of Occupancy for 614 other individuals and corporate entities if they did not pay their dues within the specified two-week window.
Legal Grounds for Revocation
The FCTA explained that the decision to revoke these land titles was in line with Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978. This section grants the minister the authority to withdraw rights of occupancy in cases where payments are not made or allocation terms are violated.
The official notice read:
“The Federal Capital Territory Administration wishes to inform the allottee(s)/title holder(s) of plots of land in Maitama 1 who have failed to make payment for their Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills that their Right of Occupancy to the land/property has been withdrawn.
“This action was taken under Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978, which empowers the minister to revoke rights of occupancy for non-compliance with payment obligations or breach of other allocation terms.”
High-Profile Figures Affected
Among those whose land titles were revoked are some of the most notable figures in Nigeria, including:
- Muhammadu Buhari Trust Foundation – owned by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
- Walter Onnoghen – former Chief Justice of Nigeria.
- George Akume and Regina Akume – Secretary to the Government of the Federation and his wife.
- Abbas Tajudeen – Speaker of the House of Representatives.
- Uba Sani – Governor of Kaduna State.
Lawmakers and Public Figures on the List
The list also includes several former and current lawmakers, such as:
- Tahir Monguno – Senate Chief Whip.
- Chibudom Nwuche – former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.
- Teslim Folarin – former Senate Leader.
- Nnenna Ukeje – former House of Representatives member.
- Andy Uba – former Senator.
- Smart Adeyemi – former Senator.
Implications of the Revocation
The FCTA’s decision highlights its commitment to enforcing payment compliance and maintaining order in the allocation of land in Abuja. By targeting prominent figures and organizations, the administration sends a strong message about the consequences of ignoring statutory obligations.
Landowners in Abuja, especially in high-profile areas like Maitama, are now under pressure to ensure that all outstanding payments are made to avoid losing their property rights.
This development underscores the importance of adhering to land regulations and financial obligations in the Federal Capital Territory. While the revocation of titles has drawn public attention due to the high-profile nature of those affected, it also serves as a warning to other landowners in Abuja to comply with payment and allocation terms.
Landowners in Maitama and other districts must take immediate action to regularize their land documents and payments to retain ownership rights. The FCTA, under Minister Wike’s leadership, appears resolute in implementing policies that promote accountability and transparency in land administration.
