Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has revoked 22 plots of land in Abuja's Central Business District (CBD). This decision comes as a response to the continued contravention of the terms of development of the Right of Occupancy, particularly the non-development of these lands.
The revocation notice, signed by Mr. Olusade Adesola, Permanent Secretary in the FCT Administration, cited the Land Use Act of 1978 as the legal basis for this action.
Among the notable allottees affected by this revocation are Lowe Lintas, Tourist Company of Nigeria, Coscharis Motors, CFA Motors, and Chidol Properties, among others.
However, the Minister has also displayed a degree of leniency. In a statement released by Muhammad Hazat Sule, Director of Information and Communication in the FCTA, Minister Wike has granted a three-month grace period to 189 titleholders. These individuals and organizations have obtained Building Plan Approvals but have not yet commenced development on their properties.
Notably, this grace period extends to 21 embassies, including those of Ireland, France, Canada, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Turkey, and several others. It also encompasses various government agencies, corporate entities such as Access Bank and Elf Petroleum, and individuals including Adamu Ajuji Waziri and Isa Yuguda.
The affected property owners have been urged to utilize this opportunity to commence development on their plots in compliance with the terms of Offer of the Right-Of-Occupancy, as published in national dailies. Failure to do so within the stipulated three-month period may result in the revocation of their titles, as permitted by the Land Use Act.
This decision aims to ensure that land allocated within the Federal Capital City (FCC) is developed in accordance with established agreements and regulations, and it underscores the commitment of the FCT Administration to enforce compliance with these terms.
The Minister's actions send a clear message that responsible land development is a priority, both for individual and corporate landowners and for public institutions operating within the FCC.
