The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that the deadline for land allottees to remit their Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) fees will remain unchanged, warning that any failure to meet this obligation will result in the reassignment of the affected plots to other interested parties.
Wike made this announcement during an inspection of key infrastructure projects within the FCT. Among the projects visited were the 15-kilometer left-hand service carriageway of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) stretching from Ring Road 1 to Wasa Junction, the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal complex in Dakibiyu, Jabi District, and the 5-kilometer Saburi Road project.
During a press briefing after the inspection, Wike addressed public concerns regarding the recent publication of names of plot owners who had yet to pay their C-of-O fees. He explained that the list was derived from official records and assured that any individuals with proof of payment would be appropriately cleared.
The Minister reiterated that the grace period for settling the fees would not be extended. He emphasized the importance of compliance and revenue generation for the development of the FCT, revealing that some land allocations had remained unpaid for over a decade.
“It is essential for all land allottees to meet their financial obligations. Once the grace period expires, any unpaid allocations will be reallocated to others who are ready to comply,” Wike stated.
When asked about possible distractions and their impact on his developmental agenda for the FCT in 2025, Wike affirmed his dedication to delivering on his mandate. He dismissed the significance of complaints, describing them as a natural aspect of governance, and emphasized his focus on achieving results.
“These grievances will not derail us from our mission. Governance cannot satisfy everyone, and we are committed to achieving what is best for the majority of our residents,” Wike said.
“Our priority is to do what is right and to deliver the best possible outcomes for the FCT, ensuring that development benefits as many people as possible rather than a select few.”
The Minister’s firm stance highlights his commitment to improving compliance, fostering accountability, and ensuring that the FCT’s developmental initiatives are adequately funded. His leadership continues to focus on addressing key infrastructure challenges and driving sustainable progress in the capital territory.