The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has announced the revocation of land titles belonging to several prominent individuals, including the Muhammadu Buhari Foundation, former Chief Justice of Nigeria Walter Onnoghen, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
In a statement released on Thursday, Wike’s office indicated that the revocation affects 762 plots of land in the Maitama District, which were forfeited due to non-payment of statutory fees and Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) documents. The action falls under Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978, which empowers the Minister to withdraw land rights for failure to comply with payment obligations.
Buhari’s spokesman, Garba Shehu, clarified that the land was allocated in the name of the “Muhammadu Buhari Foundation,” asserting that the former President himself does not own the revoked land. Shehu explained that the foundation was established by individuals close to Buhari, who encountered significant obstacles in the land department due to high fees for the issuance of the C-of-O.
The FCTA also warned 614 other individuals and companies that their rights to land would be revoked if outstanding bills were not settled within two weeks. Among those affected by the revocations are Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen, Uba Sani, Governor of Kaduna, and several former lawmakers, including Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno and former Deputy Speaker Chibudom Nwuche.
The notice issued by the FCTA emphasized the urgency of addressing unpaid fees to maintain land rights, reflecting the government’s commitment to enforcing compliance in land administration.
