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FCT: Wike Revokes Paulosa’s Land After 40 Years: Here’s Why
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Mr. Lere Olayinka, has explained the rationale behind the revocation of a multi-million naira land allocated to Paulosa Nigeria Ltd nearly 40 years ago. He also dismissed allegations of land grabbing against the FCT Administration (FCTA).
In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, Olayinka refuted claims circulating on social media that the FCTA unlawfully seized the land belonging to the construction company. He clarified that the property, located in Life Camp, Plot 2241, Gwarinpa District, Cadastral Zone C02, Abuja, was reclaimed following the company’s failure to meet stipulated terms and conditions.
The land was originally allocated to Paulosa Nigeria Ltd in 1984 for the establishment of a temporary office. However, the company reportedly constructed permanent buildings on the site and rented them out without obtaining the required government approvals.
“For 36 years, the company occupied the land without approval,” Olayinka explained.
“On November 18, 2020, the company applied for the conversion of its temporary Right of Occupancy (R of O) to a statutory Right of Occupancy. Approval was granted on February 1, 2023, subject to fulfilling specific terms and conditions, including financial obligations.”
Ground Rent of ₦50,000 per square meter per annum from 2022 to 2023, totaling ₦2.33 million.
Arrears of Ground Rent from 1984 to 2021 amounting to ₦43.14 million.
A premium of ₦500 per square meter, amounting to ₦11.66 million.
Despite these requirements, Paulosa Nigeria Ltd allegedly failed to comply with the terms for over 20 months, prompting the revocation of the approval on October 10, 2024.
Olayinka stressed that the revocation was carried out in accordance with due process and legal guidelines. Comparing the situation to a university admission process, he noted, “If a student offered admission fails to pay the required fees and meet the conditions, the admission cannot stand. Similarly, Paulosa Nigeria Ltd cannot claim ownership of the land after failing to meet the terms.”
Olayinka also addressed allegations from a lawyer accusing the minister of land grabbing. He explained that using land for purposes other than its approved allocation constitutes a violation. For instance, land allocated for a recreation park cannot be repurposed for constructing schools or churches.
“The lawyer would have been properly informed that such actions are clear contraventions of the conditions for allocation,” he said.
Olayinka urged critics and agitators to avoid spreading misinformation, emphasizing the importance of seeking accurate information from relevant government agencies before making public statements.
“If the person who made the video had conducted proper investigations, they would have been well-informed and not misled the public,” he said.
He reiterated the FCTA’s commitment to upholding regulations and ensuring transparency in its land allocation processes.
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