Wike targets N30bn from defaulting land allottees in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, is pursuing the recovery of approximately N30 billion owed by 1,376 individuals and corporate entities who have defaulted on payments for Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) in Abuja’s Maitama District.

According to public notices issued by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), 762 defaulters who have made no payments are expected to pay N22.8 billion. An additional N11.6 billion is owed by 614 allottees who have only partially fulfilled their payment obligations for the Right of Occupancy (R-of-O).

Among those who have made no payments are Quality Real Estate Investment Limited (N5.9 billion), Muhammadu Buhari Trust Foundation (N1.2 billion), and B.M.O Real Estate & Construction Company (N709 million). Other defaulters include high-profile entities such as Bil & Labily Limited, Jordan Farms & Estate Limited, and Emirate Luxury Suite Limited, with debts ranging from N139 million to N634 million.

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For those with outstanding balances, Cristom Integrated Technologies, NFIU Staff Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited, and Dana Global Ventures owe between N58 million and N210 million.

Ultimatum Issued
Minister Wike has issued a fresh two-week ultimatum to the defaulters, urging them to settle their debts or face revocation of their land titles. “It’s the money we need,” Wike stated through his media aide, Lere Olayinka, emphasizing that the primary goal is to ensure compliance, not to strip individuals of their land.

The FCTA had earlier warned defaulters in October, with only 2,511 out of 3,273 allottees complying. Mr. Olayinka reiterated that there would be no further extensions after January 3, 2025.

Prominent figures listed among the defaulters include former Chief Justice of Nigeria Walter Onnoghen, House Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume. Notable companies such as BUA Group, Julius Berger Nigeria, and Honeywell Construction Limited were also named.

Reform Agenda
Citing the Land Use Act of 1979, the FCTA has the legal authority to revoke land titles for non-payment of statutory fees or failure to develop allocated plots. Since assuming office in August 2023, Minister Wike has pledged to overhaul land administration in the FCT, introducing measures to prevent multiple allocations of the same land and ensure efficient land use.

As part of his reforms, Mr. Wike revoked the C-of-O for 165 undeveloped plots in September, affecting several high-profile individuals, including Peter Obi and former Cross River Governor Liyel Imoke. The minister has maintained that his actions prioritize the public good.

“The rich will kick against some of our decisions, but anything that will help our people must be done,” Wike remarked during a press briefing.

The FCTA has set the cost of obtaining a C-of-O at N5 million, with a four-month payment window. The minister also announced plans to integrate applicants’ National Identification Numbers with their C-of-Os to prevent fraudulent allocations.

Minister Wike has expressed concerns about the integrity of the C-of-O issuance process, stating: “One of the reasons I have stopped signing is because I don’t trust those C-of-Os they are bringing for me to sign. I don’t want to sign a C-of-O that has been given to another person.”

(PREMIUM TIMES)