19/02/2025
Because a land has a CofO (Certificate of Occupancy) doesn't mean you can buy same and start building your private residence or anything you like on it.
In short, if na Abuja, Wike will personally operate the dozer and demolish your property.
There are different categories of CofO, and because say you no know no mean say Wike go pity you.
In Abuja, there are no emotions.
1.:
Residential CofO: Validity is 99 years, and it's for you to build residential structures. No go build filling station, not even a commercial plaza.
2.:
Agricultural CofO: Validity is 25-28 years, and it's for agricultural purpose only. Do your farming here.
3.:
Industrial CofO: Validity is 35 years. Build your factories, filling stations, etc. Don't go and build residential estates here.
4.:
Family CofO: This doesn't expire, and it's for special "Omonile" family wey dey very very influential. This one no (too) dey Abuja sha. Na Lagos people de "suffer" am.
The type of CofO you get depends on the area.
In Abuja today, do you expect to get an Agricultural CofO in Central Area? Imagination.
Can you get an Industrial CofO around Idu Industrial Area? Yes.
Moral Lesson: Always ask questions. No go buy land reserved for public use (churches/mosque, schools, markets,etc) to build your private residence because it has a CofO.
Ask questions, and follow the master plan, because for Abuja, regulators don't care about your emotions.