In a move that has sent shockwaves through the nation’s capital, the Federal Capital Territory Administration has revoked the Right of Occupancy for several plot allottees and title holders in Maitama II, Cadastral Zone A10, Abuja.
The decision, which took effect on Thursday was made after the affected persons failed to settle their outstanding Certificate of Occupational bills despite a grace period granted by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
According to the FCTA, the revocation is in line with Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978, which empowers the government to revoke land rights for contraventions of the terms of grant.
Among those affected by the revocation are the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, Governors Duoye Diri (Bayelsa) and Hope Odidika Uzodimma (Imo), as well as other prominent politicians.
The FCTA emphasised that individuals who completed their payments on or before the deadline are not affected by this decision.
Also, in its official notice, emphasised that the revocation is in accordance with the provisions of the Land Use Act of 1978, which grants the government the power to annul land rights for non-compliance with payment terms.
“This action is necessary to ensure that those granted land in the Federal Capital Territory fulfill their obligations. No exceptions were made for those who failed to meet the January 15 deadline,” the statement read partly.
While the crackdown has been described as unprecedented, the FCTA confirmed that individuals and companies who made full payments by the deadline were not affected.
The full list of affected individuals includes notable names such as former Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, former sports minister Bala Kaoje, and the wife of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Regina Akume.
Others are Lynda Chuba Ikpeazu, Regina Mbavekom Akume, Emmanuel Yisa Orkar Jev, Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, Nicholas Ebomo Mutu, Omoregie Ogbeide Ihama, Matthew Aisagbonriodion, Udenta Onuama Udenta, Dennis Nnamdi Agbo, Gilbert Emeka Nnaji, and Benjamin Chukwuemeka Uwajumogu, Bala Alh Bawa Kaoje, Jagaba Adams Jagaba
Former and serving legislators like Shehu Sani, David Umaru, and Lanre Tejuoso have also lost their land rights in the capital.
The FCTA is hoping that the withdrawal of land rights will send a strong message to defaulters while potentially opening opportunities for other developers or residents to access the reclaimed properties.
The administration called on the general public to take note of the revocation and warned against transactions involving the affected plots.
It urged stakeholders to meet their obligations promptly to avoid similar actions in the future.