FCT Minister Wike Issues Final Ultimatum to Defaulters Over Maitama II Land Payments

 

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a two-week ultimatum to the owners of 762 plots in Maitama II District, Cadastral Zone A10, Abuja, to settle outstanding payments for their Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O). Failure to comply by January 3, 2025, will result in the permanent revocation of their land allocations.

In a statement released on Friday, December 20, by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike emphasized the government’s intention to enforce compliance, not seize land arbitrarily.

The ultimatum follows an earlier notice on October 5, 2024, when a list of 3,273 defaulting allottees was published. Of these, 2,511 resolved their outstanding payments, leaving 762 plots unpaid.

The government has extended a grace period for the remaining defaulters to settle their dues. An additional 614 plot owners with pending C-of-O payments have also been included in this final warning.

“By January 3, 2025, any allottee who fails to make the required payment will have their Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) permanently withdrawn under Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978,” the statement warned.

This ultimatum follows the recent revocation of lands held by prominent figures, including former President Muhammadu Buhari, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume. Other high-profile defaulters, such as former Senate Presidents Iyorchia Ayu and Ameh Ebute, as well as Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno, have also been urged to settle their debts or face similar consequences.

Wike has made it clear that no further extensions will be granted. “This is the final window for compliance,” he stated, urging defaulters to regularize their land allocations to avoid forfeiture.

The minister’s actions are part of broader efforts to ensure that FCT residents, particularly those in prime locations, fulfill their financial obligations to the FCT Administration.