Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has announced that the deadline for land allottees to pay their Certificate of Occupancy fees will not be extended. He emphasized the importance of fulfilling these obligations, noting that once the grace period ends, the lands will be reassigned to interested parties. Wike made this statement during a regular inspection of various major infrastructure projects in the FCT, which included the 15-kilometre left service lane of the Outer Southern Expressway, the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal complex in Dakibiyu, and the 5-kilometre Saburi Road. Speaking to reporters afterward, Wike addressed concerns regarding the listing of plot owners who have not yet paid their fees, explaining that the list comes from existing records and that those with proof of payment will be handled appropriately. He reiterated that the grace period would remain unchanged and highlighted the necessity of compliance to support revenue generation for the development of the FCT, noting that some land allocations have been pending for up to 10 years. He stated, “We believe it is essential for individuals to fulfill their obligations.” Once the grace period ends, these lands will be redistributed to those who are interested. When questioned about distractions and their potential impact on his progress in the FCT in 2025, the Minister emphasized that he is not distracted and remains fully committed to fulfilling his responsibilities in the FCT. He noted that complaints are a normal aspect of governance and that it’s impractical to expect to please everyone. “These complaints will not hinder us from our objective.” “We are dedicated to meeting our obligations and attaining the best results for the majority of our residents,” he stated. “Our emphasis is on doing what is right and achieving the best possible outcomes for most of our residents, rather than catering to a select few.”
