In a move that raises eyebrows, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revoked 762 plots of land in Abuja, citing non-payment for Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O). While on the surface this appears to be an enforcement of due process, the prevalence of high-profile names among the affected raises questions about the true motivations behind this sweeping action.
The revoked properties are situated in the prestigious Maitama 1 District, one of Abuja’s most expensive neighborhoods, and are reportedly owned by a host of prominent Nigerians and corporate entities. Among those named are former President Muhammadu Buhari, former Chief Justice of Nigeria Walter Onnoghen, and ex-governors Rochas Okorocha, Ben Ayade, and Seriake Dickson. Current and former lawmakers, including Dino Melaye, Enyinnaya Abaribe, and Abdul Ningi, also feature prominently.
Targeting the Elite or Political Retaliation?
While Wike has cited non-payment as the reason for these revocations, the list of affected individuals reads more like a who’s who of Nigeria’s political and corporate elite. Could this move be a strategic effort to consolidate political power or settle old scores under the guise of enforcing compliance? The timing and scale of the decision invite skepticism, particularly in a country where land ownership by public office holders often sparks allegations of corruption and conflict of interest.
Notably, Wike has issued a two-week ultimatum to another 614 individuals and entities to settle their outstanding fees or face a similar fate. The ultimatum further deepens suspicions: is this a genuine effort to streamline land administration in the FCT, or is it a thinly veiled tactic to coerce compliance from certain individuals while creating opportunities for others?
Transparency Concerns
The public notice by the FCT Administration justified the revocations under Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978, citing a breach of terms requiring landowners to settle their bills. However, the process lacks transparency. How were these plots allocated in the first place? Were the owners given sufficient notice before their properties were revoked? And why has non-payment remained unchecked for so long, only to now trigger such drastic measures?
Given the historical misuse of land allocations by public officials in Nigeria, many are skeptical of the FCT Administration’s intentions. Are these actions truly about enforcing laws, or are they part of a broader scheme to redistribute prime real estate in the capital to favored individuals or entities?
The Bigger Picture
This incident also highlights the larger issue of land ownership by public office holders in Nigeria. How do prominent figures like former presidents, judges, and lawmakers amass multiple plots of land in coveted areas? Should public officials be allowed to own such prime real estate, often acquired during their time in office, when many ordinary Nigerians struggle to access affordable housing?
Nigerians deserve answers, not just about this revocation but about the broader issues of equity, justice, and accountability in land ownership in the country.
