FCT: Wike reveals punishment for those who refuse to pay certificate of occupancy fee

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has stated that the grace period for land allottees to pay their Certificate of Occupancy fees would not be extended.

He said it is essential for individuals to fulfil their obligations, adding that after the grace period expires, these lands will be reallocated to interested parties.

Wike said this while conducting a routine inspection of several key infrastructure projects currently underway in the FCT.

Projects inspected include the 15-kilometre left-hand service carriageway of the Outer Southern Expressway, OSEX, from Ring Road 1 to Wasa Junction, the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal complex in Dakibiyu, Jabi District and the 5-kilometre Saburi Road.

Addressing journalists after the inspection, Wike expressed concerns raised by some individuals regarding the publication of the names of plot owners who have yet to pay their Certificate of Occupancy fees.

He clarified that the list was generated from existing records and that individuals with proof of payment would be addressed accordingly.

He further stated that the grace period for land allottees to pay the fee would not be extended.

Emphasising the need for compliance and the importance of revenue generation for FCT’s development, he explained that some of the land allocations dated back to 10 years, adding: “We believe it is essential for individuals to fulfill their obligations. After the grace period expires, these lands will be reallocated to interested parties.”

When asked about distractions and how they may affect his developmental strides in the FCT in 2025, the Minister reiterated that nothing distracts him, insisting that he remains intensely focused on achieving his mandate in the FCT.

He said complaints were an inherent part of governance and that it was unrealistic to expect to satisfy everyone.

“These complaints will not deter us from our mission. We are committed to fulfilling our responsibilities and achieving the best possible outcomes for most of our residents,” he said.

“Our focus remains on what is right and achieving the best possible results for the majority of our residents, not for a select few.”