Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has given owners of 762 plots of land in Maitama II District, Abuja, a two-week ultimatum to pay their Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills or risk losing their allocations.

The decision affects prominent politicians and corporate organisations, including the children of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen, and former Senate President Bukola Saraki.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) initially issued a notice to 3,273 allottees on October 5, 2024, giving them two weeks to settle their bills. While 2,511 complied, 762 defaulters were given a fresh two-week grace period, ending January 3, 2025.

A recent statement by Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka said failure to comply will result in the withdrawal of Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) titles, pursuant to Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978.

The statement read, “It should be recalled that on October 5, 2024, a list of 3,273 allottees/title holders that were yet to pay for their C-of-O was published. They were offered two weeks to pay their bills or lose their Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) titles. Out of the 3,273, a total of 2,511 complied, leaving 762.

“Yesterday, a notice of withdrawal of the R-of-O titles of the 762 defaulters was published.

“Since then, many of the affected allottees have offered to pay, and since the primary aim of the government is to ensure payment, a two-week grace has been given.

“Consequently, the 762 allottees and the 614 others with outstanding payment on C-of-O will have till January 3, 2025, to pay or have their R-of-O titles withdrawn, pursuant to the provisions of Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978.

“After January 3, 2025, there will be no further extension and withdrawal of the R-of-O titles of defaulters will be final.”