Wike Nullifies 568 Land Allocations in Abuja Over Defaulted C-of-O Payments

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has annulled the allocation of 568 plots of land in Abuja, citing unpaid Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) fees as the primary reason.
According to a formal statement released by the FCT Administration, the affected plots are located in Maitama II, Cadastral Zone A10 of the nation’s capital. The notice outlined that the beneficiaries of these allocations failed to fulfill their financial obligations regarding C-of-O payments, despite an extended grace period provided by the minister.
The announcement emphasized that the revocation was executed under the authority of Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978, which empowers the government to withdraw allocations that breach the stipulated terms of grant. The terms specifically require all allottees or interest holders to settle their outstanding bills within the allocated timeframe.
The public notice clarified, however, that individuals who completed their C-of-O payments by January 15, 2025, are exempt from the revocation. The statement reads:
“The allocation of these plots has been withdrawn pursuant to the provisions of Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978, due to violations of the terms of grant, which obligated the title/interest holders to settle all outstanding bills. The general public is hereby informed that allottees who fulfilled their payments on or before January 15, 2025, are not impacted by this directive.”
While the list of affected allottees has been made public, some of the individuals whose land allocations have been revoked have refuted claims of owing the FCT Administration any fees.
The development underscores the administration’s effort to enforce compliance with land use regulations and streamline processes in Abuja’s land management sector.