The Federal Capital Territory Administration on Friday revoked 1,095 plots of land across the capital, targeting high-profile owners including former First Lady Patience Jonathan, billionaire businessman Theophilus Danjuma, the Central Bank of Nigeria, NNPC, and several serving senators in a sweeping crackdown on violations of allocation terms.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike announced the decision during a press briefing, stating that the affected titles – located in districts such as Maitama, Wuse, Garki, Asokoro, and Jabi – had either failed to pay statutory fees, remained undeveloped beyond the mandatory two-year period, or were subject to multiple allocations.
“Some of these plots were allocated as far back as 2005 and 2010 and nothing has been done on them. We will not allow land racketeering to continue,” Wike declared. “If you have been given land and you fail to develop it within the stipulated time, that land automatically reverts to the FCT Administration.”
Among the prominent names listed in the revocation notice published in national newspapers are:
- Former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan (three plots)
- Retired General Theophilus Danjuma (multiple plots)
- Central Bank of Nigeria
- Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited
- Nigeria Army
- Nigeria Police Force
- Federal Inland Revenue Service
- Several current senators and former governors
Wike gave affected owners 14 days to regularise their titles by paying outstanding ground rents and premiums, warning that failure to comply would result in permanent reallocation.
“Those who feel aggrieved should go to court,” the minister added defiantly when asked about possible legal challenges.
The FCTA said the exercise aims to free up land for genuine developers and curb speculative holding that has contributed to Abuja’s housing shortage and inflated property prices.
Legal experts note that previous revocation exercises under past administrations have often been overturned by courts, particularly when powerful individuals are involved.
No immediate reactions were received from Patience Jonathan’s camp or General Danjuma, but sources close to some affected institutions described the move as “routine housekeeping” that would be resolved administratively.
The revocation is the largest single action of its kind since the creation of the FCT, underscoring Wike’s aggressive drive to sanitise land administration in the territory.
