FCT Threatens To Revoke Lands Owned By Buhari’s Children, Gbajabiamila, Abbas, Saraki, Others in Abuja (Full List)

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has issued a stern ultimatum to 3,273 allottees of land plots in Maitama II District, Abuja, warning that Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) could be revoked if outstanding payments are not settled within two weeks. These allottees include high-profile individuals and corporate organizations, underscoring the seriousness of the notice.

Notable figures listed among the landowners include Femi Gbajabiamila (Chief of Staff to the President), Abbas Tajudeen (Speaker of the House of Representatives), George Akume (Secretary to the Government of the Federation), and Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo (Minister of Interior). Other prominent figures, such as former Senate President Bukola Saraki and former Governors like Rochas Okorocha and Ibrahim Shekarau, are also affected.

The notice, titled “Demand Notice for Payment of Right of Occupancy Bills for Issuance of Certificates of Occupancy on All Lands Allocated at Maitama II District, Cadastral Zone A10, Abuja,” urges immediate compliance to avoid the penalties, which include revocation of land titles. This move by the FCTA has triggered concern among the elite and corporations who own plots in the prestigious district.

Minister of Sports, John Eno, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, and former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Nwabueze Nigige, were also listed.

Serving and former lawmakers on the list are Dino Melaye , Kabiru Marafa, Stella Oduah, Danjuma Goje, Ben Bruce , David Umaru, Saliu Mustapha, Biodun Olujimi, Andy Uba, Sunday Karimi, Olumide Osoba, Nicholas Ossai, Emmanuel Bwacha, Osita Izunaso, and the House Leader, Julius Ihonvbere, Wole Oke, Kabiru Gaya, Beni Lar, Leo Ogor, Darlington Nwokocha, Petet Nwaoboshi, Oker Jev, Lynda Ikpeazu, Khadijat Ibrahim, Obinna Chidoka, Philip Aduda, Smart Adeyemi, Chukwuka Utazi, Timothy Golu, Edward Pwajok, Ali Ndume, Ben Obi, Binta Garba, and Teslim Folarin.

Also on the list are a former National Chairman of the ruling APC, Adamu Abdullahi, Third Republic Senate President, Ameh Ebute, Yusuf Buhari and Zahra Buhari (both children of former President Muhammadu Buhari).

The recent notice from the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) highlights the ongoing infrastructural developments in the Maitama II (A10) District. Here are the key points from the announcement:

1. Notice Issued for Payment: The FCTA, through the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), is urging all allottees who have not settled their Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills to do so within two weeks of the publication date.
2. Consequences of Non-Payment: If the outstanding land bills, rents, fees, and charges are not paid within the specified timeframe, the FCTA will withdraw the Rights of Occupancy (R-of-O) for the affected plots. This will lead to the reallocation of these lands.
3. Objective: This notice is part of a broader effort to improve land administration in the FCT, addressing issues such as corruption, land speculation, and bureaucratic delays that have plagued the system.
4. Past Measures: In August, the FCTA announced a four-month deadline for landholders to pay their fees, warning of title revocation under the Land Use Act for non-compliance.
5. Funding Concerns: The FCTA has expressed concerns about the impact of unpaid land processing fees on its ability to fund critical infrastructure projects in the capital.
6. Legal Implications: The Director of the Land Administration Department emphasized that non-payment constitutes a violation of land grant terms and the Land Use Act.

This initiative appears to be a strategic move to enhance compliance and streamline the administration of land resources in the Federal Capital Territory.

This excerpt highlights the recent initiatives undertaken by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Nigeria, aimed at reforming the land allocation system and improving accountability in real estate development. Here are the key points:

1. Unchecked Land Speculation: Mr. Ukpanah points out that unchecked land speculation has hindered real estate and infrastructure development in the FCT.
2. Prioritizing Genuine Developers: The FCT Administration (FCTA) plans to prioritize legitimate developers, stating that only those who adhere to payment terms will retain their land titles.
3. Cost of Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O): Wike announced a fixed cost of N5 million for obtaining a C-of-O, along with a four-month payment window.
4. Eliminating Multiple Allocations: He emphasized that the practice of allocating the same land plot to multiple individuals, often through fraudulent means, is being discontinued. This change is intended to enhance the business legitimacy of land ownership.
5. Linking NIN to C-of-O Applications: To curb fraud, applicants’ National Identification Numbers (NIN) will now be linked to their C-of-O applications.
6. Impact on Wealthy Individuals: Wike acknowledged that some reforms may upset wealthy individuals and corporations who have previously benefited from the flawed land system. However, he affirmed that the focus remains on serving the public good.
7. Task Force Inauguration: A task force was established to oversee the issuance of C-of-O for housing estates and to recover unpaid land use fees, aiming to ensure that all housing units in the FCT are legally documented and secure for investors and developers.

These reforms reflect a significant shift in land management and real estate practices in the FCT, aimed at reducing corruption, improving accountability, and promoting sustainable development.

“We are taking these steps not only to stop the speculators but to ensure that the FCT can develop the infrastructure it desperately needs. If we do not act now, the capital will be left behind,” Mr Wike explained.

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