Wike warns fake CofO peddlers in Abuja, to seek Presidential approval on inclusion of NIN on certificates
Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Tuesday warned peddlers of fake Certificates of Occupancy (CofO) to desist from the act.
Speaking at a meeting with estate developers in Abuja, the Minister expressed displeasure at the rate at which fake Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) were given, adding that henceforth, N5 million would be paid to acquire a C of O.
He said, “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.
“When we make the right decision some people will be happy, some will not. We are ready for such a fight.
“When I was governor of Rivers State, we had three C of Os from FCT. Three. It turned out that all were fake. The C of O was coming from FCTA as a government, not as an individual. The plots are allocated or said to be allocated. We paid money. When I sent the Liaison Officer, the people from FCTA took him to the land and later, we discovered that it was fake land.
“Look at the money we had paid. The people disappeared. We could not find them again. Over N57 million that we paid. Why? Because that was how it was being done in the FCT. I have said that it will not work again.
“I will seek Mr President’s approval to link any C of O to the NIN number so that we know when this house falls, we will know the owner. So that when a crime is committed on a property, we will know the owner. This is what happens in developed countries. The rich men will kick against it but anything that will help our people must be done.
“Support this move. There must be sanity in our system. You will attest to the fact that there are changes. How will you feel that at the end of the day, you have a C of O but it is fake or that your land is allocated to another person?” He explained.
The developers on their part also pleaded with the Minister to reduce the N5 million payment for C of O.
The minister, responding said, the payment can be made within four months after which the C of O can be handed over to the applicant.
Wike also declared that he has been able to save over N110 billion since he assumed office in August this year.
