Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, revealed that the acquisition of a Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) in Abuja will now necessitate applicants to provide their National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN).
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Wike highlighted the necessity of these additional identifiers as part of enhanced security measures to combat discrepancies and cloning of C-of-Os.
Wike emphasized that during his tenure, he refrained from signing C-of-Os to implement stringent security measures. He underscored the new prerequisites, stating that individuals must furnish their NIN while corporate entities lacking an NIN must provide their BVN when seeking a C-of-O. This step, according to Wike, would necessitate individuals and entities that have not registered for NIN or BVN to undergo re-registration.
Existing landowners with C-of-Os were informed that they would be required to undergo recertification, incorporating the NIN or BVN details. However, Wike reassured them that only a nominal fee for recertification would be applicable, with individuals paying a maximum of N50,000 and corporate bodies paying N100,000.
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The Minister highlighted the benefits of this initiative, asserting its effectiveness in enhancing security, improving revenue generation, and accurately identifying property owners for tax purposes.
Wike addressed the proposed fee of N5 million for the C-of-O, derived from annual ground rent, explaining that the fee is based on land ownership rather than the structure erected on it. He clarified that the C-of-O fee is contingent on the land’s classification and annual ground rent, ensuring differentiation between properties based on land ownership, and not solely on the building erected on the land.
This move by the FCT Minister aims to bolster security measures, improve revenue collection, and enhance accuracy in identifying property ownership, furthering the government’s efforts in effective urban management within the Federal Capital Territory.
