In a bold move aimed at enforcing compliance with statutory regulations, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revoked land titles held by several high-profile individuals and entities. The list includes a foundation named after former President Muhammadu Buhari, former Chief Justice of Nigeria Walter Onnoghen, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume.
Revocation Details
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) announced on Thursday that the revocation affected 762 plots of land in Maitama District due to the non-payment of statutory fees, including charges for Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O).
According to the FCTA, the revocation was carried out under Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978, which empowers the minister to withdraw land rights for non-compliance with payment obligations.
In a notice, the FCTA stated:
“The Federal Capital Territory Administration wishes to inform the allottee(s)/title holder(s) of plots of land in Maitama 1 who have failed to make payment for their Certificate of Occupancy bills that their Right of Occupancy to the land/property has been withdrawn.”
High-Profile Names on the List
Among the prominent individuals and organizations affected are:
- Muhammadu Buhari Trust Foundation, associated with former President Muhammadu Buhari
- Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen
- Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen
- Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and his wife, Regina Akume
- Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani
Additionally, several former and serving lawmakers, including Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Chibudom Nwuche, and former Senators Andy Uba, Teslim Folarin, and Smart Adeyemi, were also affected.
Buhari’s Response
Reacting to the development, Buhari’s spokesperson, Garba Shehu, clarified that the former president is not personally the owner of the revoked land. Instead, the plot was allocated to the Muhammadu Buhari Foundation, an entity established by well-meaning individuals around him.
Shehu explained that the foundation ran into challenges with the FCTA’s land department, which demanded an exorbitant fee for the issuance of the C-of-O.
“The [former] President is personally not the owner of the said plot of land, which is allocated in the name of the ‘Muhammadu Buhari Foundation.’ The foundation encountered an outrageous bill for the issuance of the certificate of occupancy, far higher than what similar organizations were charged,” Shehu stated.
Warning to Other Defaulters
The FCTA has also issued a two-week ultimatum to 614 other individuals and companies with outstanding payments. Failure to comply will result in the withdrawal of their Rights of Occupancy.
A Broader Crackdown
This sweeping action is part of Wike’s ongoing campaign to enforce land-use regulations and ensure compliance with statutory obligations. Speaking on the issue, the minister reiterated his commitment to reclaiming lands that do not meet payment and usage criteria, regardless of the status of those involved.
Impact and Reactions
The revocation has drawn mixed reactions, with some praising the move as a necessary step toward accountability and others questioning the timing and broader implications for governance.
The FCTA emphasized its determination to hold all allottees accountable while urging affected individuals and organizations to resolve their outstanding bills promptly to avoid permanent forfeiture.
