Wike halts C of O signings, cites trust issues in FCT process

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has disclosed the reason behind his decision to cease signing Certificates of Occupancy (C of Os). During an interactive session with Estate Developers and Residents’ Associations in the FCT, Wike expressed concerns about the lack of trust in the C of O documents submitted for his signature.

The meeting, convened to address disagreements over the payment of N5 million fees for C of Os, involved discussions on the challenges surrounding the issuance of these certificates in the FCT. The Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Land, Urban and Regional Planning, who chairs the Ministerial Task Force on Issuance of C of O for Mass Housing and the Recovery of Land Use Contravention fees, highlighted the need to resolve conflicts between the Task Force and developers and residents’ associations.

Wike emphasized the complexity of the C of O issuance process in the FCT, citing controversies and crises that have arisen. He stated, “One of the reasons I have stopped signing is because I don’t trust those C of Os they are bringing for me to sign. I don’t want to sign a C of O that has been given to another person.”

Promising tough decisions to restore the integrity of the system, Wike extended the payment period for C of O fees from 3 to 4 months, stressing that this timeframe would not be further extended. Responding to residents’ requests for a review of the flat rate of N5 million, Wike maintained that the cost for C of O issuance is a fixed rate, regardless of property size or location. While hinting at the potential for a fee review, he affirmed that C of O rates are determined by the document’s significance as both a business and security document.

Furthermore, Wike proposed linking C of Os to the National Identity Number (NIN) for easier identification and to address taxation and security issues. He indicated his intention to seek the President’s approval for this initiative.