Speaker Abbas, Governors Uzodimma and Diri, and 565 Others Lose Their Land Holdings in Abuja as Wike Issues a New Revocation.

The Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, along with his counterpart from Bayelsa, Douye Diri, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, are among the 568 individuals and entities whose land holdings in Abuja have been revoked under the recent directives issued by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. Additionally, the list includes Ibrahim Hadejia, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President); Ben Ayade, the former governor of Cross River State; Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele; Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro; Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment; John Eno, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment; Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairperson/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM); the late Sports Minister Bala Kaoje; and Regina Akume, spouse of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume. Furthermore, Mr. Wike has also mandated the revocation of land from several current and former federal lawmakers, including Shehu Sani, Magnus Abe, David Umaru, Lanre Tejuoso, Oluwole Oke, Lynda Ikpeazu, Orker Jev, Agom Jarigbe, Nicholas Mutu, Gilbert Nnaji, Francis Onyewuchi, and Abubakar Fulata. Two individuals, Nkoyo Onnoghen and Usang, who are relatives of former Chief Justice of Nigeria Walter Onnoghen, are also included in this list. Among the companies and agencies that have lost their properties are Abuja Enterprise Agency, Silver Proof Nigeria Limited, Sali-Tech Commercial Limited, Gimag Integrated Services Limited, and Earth Conscience Limited. The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) announced on Wednesday that 568 plots have been revoked due to the failure of the allottees to remit payment for their Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) by the deadline of January 15. In its publication titled “Notice of Withdrawal of Rights of Occupancy in Maitama II, Abuja,” the FCTA stated that this action was taken in accordance with the provisions of the Land Use Act of 1978. The FCTA further clarified, “The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) wishes to inform the allottee(s) of land in Maitama II, Cadastral Zone A10, Abuja, who have not settled their Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) fees following the expiration of the grace period granted by the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, that their Right of Occupancy for the land/property has been revoked. This action is in line with Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978, due to non-compliance with the terms of the grant, which required title/interest holders to pay all associated fees. It is important to note that allottees/title holders who have completed their payments by January 15, 2025, are not impacted by this announcement.” Recent Revocations This latest revocation follows a similar action taken approximately three weeks ago, when 762 plots were also withdrawn from their respective allottees. In December, it was reported by PREMIUM TIMES that notable individuals such as Messrs Onnoghen, Tajudeen, Ayade, and Akume had their plots ordered for revocation by the FCT Minister. Additionally, a foundation named after former President Muhammadu Buhari was included in this list. Among those affected by the recent revocation are Wole Oke, Lynda Ikpeazu, Orker Jev, and Agom Jarigbe. The minister has also indicated the possibility of withdrawing the Rights of Occupancy from an additional 614 individuals. These plots are situated in Maitama 1, a prestigious area within the nation’s capital. Earlier in October, Mr. Wike had warned that the plots of 3,273 allottees in the Maitama District could be revoked if payments were not made within a two-week timeframe.

In August, the minister declared the cancellation of the Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) for 165 plots. Among those affected by this decision were Peter Obi, the Labour Party's presidential candidate in the 2023 election; Liyel Imoke, a former governor of Cross River State; Udo Udoma, a former Minister of National Planning; Ufot Ekaette, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation; Victor Oyofo, a former senator from Edo North; and the late Sam Nda-Isaiah, publisher of the Leadership newspaper. Additionally, the list included Niki Tobi, a former Supreme Court justice and Chairman of the 2005 National Conference; Kanu Agabi, a former Attorney General of the Federation; Chidinma, spouse of former Aviation Minister Osita Chidoka; and Paul Nwabiukwu, media aide to Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director General of the World Trade Organization. Sanitisation Upon taking office in August, Mr. Wike, the former governor of Rivers State, committed to reforming the land allocation process in Abuja. “When we make the right decisions, some individuals will be pleased, while others will not. The affluent may oppose certain choices, but any action that benefits our people must be pursued,” he stated. The minister also established the fee for acquiring a C-of-O at N5 million, allowing a four-month period for payment.