Wike issues 21-Day ultimatum to land allottees over R of O payments

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has issued a 21-day ultimatum to land allottees to pay all statutory Right of Occupancy (R of O) bills and charges or risk losing their land allocations.

This was disclosed by Mr. Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the FCT Minister, during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday.

Olayinka said the new directive is part of sweeping reforms in land administration, approved by the FCT Minister, Mr. Nyesom Wike. The reforms, which will take effect from April 21, aim to enforce compliance and streamline land ownership processes in the territory.

The reforms address several key areas, including conditions for granting R of O, structure of the bill, titling of mass housing and sectional interests, and regularisation of area council land documents.

“The reforms will ensure proper regularisation of land allocations in area councils and mass housing schemes, while also making sure that landowners develop their properties within two years of allocation,” Olayinka stated.

He further explained that in the past, there was no defined deadline for payment of R of O charges, nor penalties for delays, which negatively impacted revenue generation and slowed infrastructure development.

“From now on, allottees have 21 days from the date of offer to pay all applicable charges and submit a duly completed letter of acceptance with proof of payment. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of the offer,” he warned.

The reforms also mandate that all lands allocated must be developed within two years. Payments made after the 21-day window will be deemed invalid.

Director of Land Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, emphasized that this is the first major overhaul of FCTA’s land processes. He noted that effective April 21, acceptance of an R of O offer will be contingent upon prompt payment.

“People will no longer keep R of O documents at home without fulfilling necessary obligations. For land in the area councils, allottees will be required to pay all charges within 60 days,” Nwankwoeze added.

The FCTA hopes the reform will enhance transparency, curb land speculation, and boost revenue for capital development.