The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has pledged to eradicate syndicates involved in the issuance of fake Certificates of Occupancy (C of Os) to unsuspecting individuals in the nation’s capital. Drawing from his experience as the former governor of Rivers State, Wike expressed dissatisfaction with the prevalence of counterfeit land documents.
During a meeting with estate developers in Abuja, the minister revealed that he has successfully saved over N110 billion since taking office in August this year. Expressing frustration with the alarming frequency of fake C of O issuance, he announced a new policy, stating that henceforth, a fee of N5 million would be required for acquiring a Certificate of Occupancy.
Wike emphasized that the era in which unsuspecting individuals were assigned a single plot of land with various counterfeit C of Os is now a thing of the past. He also expressed plans to request presidential approval for the inclusion of the National Identification Number (NIN) as a requirement for obtaining a C of O.
Recalling his experience as the governor of Rivers State, Wike narrated an incident where officials from the FCTA provided him with a counterfeit C of O. He criticized the monthly disbursement of N8.9 billion as salaries to FCTA and FCDA workers.
Estate developers, in response, appealed to the minister to reduce the N5 million payment for the C of O. In consideration of their plea, Wike stated that the payment could be spread over four months, and upon completion, the Certificate of Occupancy would be handed over to the applicant.
Wike declared, “I can tell you authoritatively that I have saved not less than N110 billion for FCTA since I assumed office three months ago. Allocation of lands to three or more persons will no longer be allowed. C of O enables you to do business.”
He also stressed the need for stricter measures to ensure the authenticity of land documents, proposing the linking of C of Os to the National Identification Number (NIN). The minister believes that such a move will enhance accountability and traceability in property ownership, similar to practices in developed countries.
