Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has issued a two-week ultimatum to the owners of 762 plots of land in Maitama II District, Abuja, to clear their Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills or face the revocation of their Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) titles.

The directive impacts several high-profile individuals, including the children of former President Muhammadu Buhari, House Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, and former Senate President Bukola Saraki, alongside corporate organizations.

This follows an earlier notice by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on October 5, 2024, directed at 3,273 allottees to settle their bills within two weeks. While 2,511 complied, the remaining 762 defaulters were given an extended grace period, which now expires on January 3, 2025.

In a statement issued by Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Wike reaffirmed that failure to comply would lead to the withdrawal of R-of-O titles as stipulated under Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978.

The statement read:
“Out of the 3,273 defaulters, 2,511 have complied, leaving 762. Many affected allottees have now shown willingness to pay, prompting this extension to January 3, 2025.
“After this date, there will be no further extensions, and the withdrawal of R-of-O titles for defaulters will be final.”

The directive underscores the FCTA’s resolve to enforce land-use regulations and ensure compliance with financial obligations.