Wike Strikes As Diri, Uzodinma, Bamidele, Anyanwu, Abike Dabiri, Others’ Lose Abuja Lands

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revoked land allocations belonging to several high-profile individuals, including state governors and political leaders.

Among those affected are Bayelsa State Governor Senator Diri Douye, Imo State Governor Senator Hope Uzodimma, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, and the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Samuel Anyanwu.

These individuals are part of the 568 landowners in Maitama II, Cadastral Zone A10, Abuja, whose allocations were withdrawn.

The Minister’s media aide, Lere Olayinka explained that the revocation was due to the expiration of an extended two-week grace period for the payment of their Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) fees. The affected individuals failed to comply with the payment requirements within the stipulated timeframe.

Other notable figures among the 568 allottees include former Enugu State Governor Chimaroke Nnamani, Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and federal lawmaker Hon. Oluwole Oke.

In October 2024, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) gave 3,273 landowners a two-week deadline to settle their bills or risk losing their Right of Occupancy (R-of-O). Out of these, 2,511 complied, while 762 failed to meet the deadline. The remaining 762 were granted an additional two-week grace period, but as of January 15, 2025, only 194 complied, leaving 568 allottees in default.

A notice issued by the FCTA reads:

“The Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA wishes to inform the allottee(s)/title holder(s) of plot(s) of land in Maitama II, Cadastral Zone A10, Abuja who have failed to make payment for their Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills after the expiration of grace period granted by the Honourable Minister, Federal Capital Territory that their Right of Occupancy to the land/property have been withdrawn, pursuant to the provisions of Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978 for contravention of the terms of grant which obligated the title/interest holders to settle all bills.

“The general public is, however, invited to note that allottees/title holders who have completed their payments on or before 15/01/2025 are not affected by this publication.”