Wike Sets 14-Day Ultimatum for Abuja Landowners to Pay C-of-O Fees

Minister Nyesom Wike issues a final 14-day deadline for Abuja landowners to settle their Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) payments or face consequences.

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has given owners of 762 plots in Maitama II District, Cadastral Zone A10, Abuja a two-week deadline to pay for their Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O).

The minister stated that non-compliance would lead to the permanent cancellation of their land allocations.

In a statement issued on Friday by Lere Olayinka, his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Wike made it clear that the government’s main goal is not to rescind land ownership but to ensure payments are completed.

The statement noted that on October 5, 2024, a list of 3,273 allottees or title holders who had not paid for their Certificates of Occupancy was released. These individuals were given two weeks to settle their outstanding bills or risk losing their Right of Occupancy titles. Of these, a total of 2,511 complied with the requirement while leaving out 762.

A notice announcing the withdrawal of R-of-O titles for 762 defaulters was published yesterday. Since then, many affected allottees have come forward with payment offers. As the government’s main objective is to secure these payments, a two-week grace period has been granted.

As a result, the 762 allottees and an additional 614 individuals with outstanding payments on their Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) must make their payments by January 3, 2025. Failing to do so will lead to the withdrawal of their Rights of Occupancy (R-of-O), in accordance with Section 28 of the Land Use Act from 1978.

After January 3, 2025, no additional extensions will be granted, and the revocation of R-of-O titles from defaulters will be permanent.