In a recent development, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has declared that all individuals holding Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) in Abuja must undergo a mandatory recertification process to incorporate new security features. This move is part of the minister’s efforts to enhance security measures within the nation’s capital.
Earlier reports from Vanguard highlighted Wike’s decision to halt the signing of C-of-Os during his tenure as FCT minister until additional security features, specifically the integration of National Identification Numbers (NIN) for individuals and Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) for corporate entities, are implemented.
Addressing questions regarding the recertification process, Wike explained that concerned individuals would be required to pay a fee to update their documents. He clarified, “For everyone who has a C-of-O, they will come for recertification so that we can incorporate the NIN or BVN. They don’t need to pay money again; the highest an individual will pay is N50,000, and corporate bodies will pay N100,000. It helps in terms of security; it also helps to improve our revenue generation.”
Wike emphasized the significance of this initiative in identifying property owners, especially those with multiple properties, for effective tax collection. He stated, “There are people who own seven properties, so this will identify them so they can pay taxes.”
Responding to inquiries about the proposed fee of N5 million for C-of-O, Wike clarified that this amount is distinct from the annual ground rent. The task force initially recommended the N5 million fee, but stakeholders suggested a reduction. Wike highlighted that the C-of-O fee is based on the land rather than the type of building, with variations in the annual ground rent depending on property specifications.
