The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revoked the land rights of 762 individuals and organizations in the Maitama 1 District of Abuja due to their failure to pay required fees.
Among those affected are prominent figures such as former President Muhammadu Buhari, former Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen, and Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has also given 614 others a two-week deadline to pay their outstanding Rights of Occupancy (R-of-O) fees or face similar actions.
The FCTA’s notice, issued on Wednesday, stated that the non-payment of Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) fees had led to the revocation of the land allocations.
The action is being carried out under Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978, which grants the minister the authority to cancel land rights for non-compliance with payment or other allocation requirements.
Other notable figures affected include Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, former governors Rochas Okorocha and Ben Ayade, and current lawmakers such as Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno and Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen.
Wike, who took office in August 2023, has been adamant about enforcing discipline and transparency in land allocation.
He previously revoked 165 plots in September, including those linked to high-profile figures like Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, citing their failure to develop the land.
In his remarks, Wike acknowledged that his decisions might not be popular with all, especially the elite, but stressed the importance of prioritizing the public good and restoring accountability in land administration.
