In a bold move to enforce urban development regulations and reclaim unused land, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced the revocation of the certificate of occupancy for a total of 165 plots located in various high-end districts of Abuja.
The decision to revoke these certificates was made public through a notice issued on Thursday by the FCT’s Permanent Secretary, Olusade Adesola.
The revocation action comes as a result of the owner’s failure to develop the allocated land parcels, a clear violation of the terms of their Right of Occupancy.
The affected plots are spread across prestigious areas, including Maitama, Gudu, Wuye, Katampe Extension, Wuse 2, Jabi, Utako, Idu Industrial Zone, and Asokoro, with the highest number of revocations recorded in Wuye, totaling 41, and the second-highest in Asokoro, with 39 plots losing their allocations.
Among the prominent individuals whose land allocations were revoked are:
Peter Obi: The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election.
Liyel Imoke: Former governor of Cross River State.
Udo Udoma: Former Minister of National Planning.
Ufot Ekaette: Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
Victor Oyofo: Former Edo North senator.
Sam Nda-Isaiah: Late publisher of the Leadership newspaper.
Niki Tobi: Former Supreme Court justice and Chairman of the 2005 National Conference.
Kanu Agabi: Former Attorney General of the Federation.
Chidinma Chidoka: Wife of former Aviation Minister, Osita Chidoka.
Paul Nwabiukwu: Media aide to the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
Furthermore, corporate entities were not spared, with notable companies such as BUA, Julius Berger Nigeria, and Honeywell Construction Limited also losing their land allocations. Specifically, BUA’s plot 335 in Katampe, Julius Berger Nigeria’s plot 2217 in Katampe, and Honeywell Construction Limited’s plot 653 in the Idu industrial area were included in the revocation.
The notice issued by the FCT Administration cites section 28(5)(a) & (b) of the Land Use Act 1978 as the legal basis for the action. It states, “The Federal Capital Territory Administration FCTA hereby informs the general public that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory has, in the exercise of the powers conferred on him under Section 28(5)(a) & (b) of the Land Use Act 1978, revoked the under listed plots with names and titles as reflected in our records for continued contravention of the terms of development of the Right of Occupancy to wit non-development.”
Minister Nyesom Wike, who assumed office as the FCT minister just last month, has consistently emphasized his commitment to rectifying the Abuja Masterplan.
This latest move follows his recent crackdown on illegal structures, markets, and parks in the territory, reaffirming his dedication to revitalizing the capital city’s urban landscape and ensuring responsible land use.
The revocation of these land allocations sends a strong message that compliance with development regulations is non-negotiable, even for high-profile individuals and corporate entities. It underscores the government’s determination to prioritize sustainable urban development and uphold the integrity of Abuja’s cityscape.
