Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed deep frustration over the widespread refusal of property owners in Abuja to pay ground rents, describing it as the most pressing challenge he has faced since assuming office nearly two years ago.
Speaking on Wednesday after inspecting several ongoing infrastructure projects across the FCT—many of which are slated for commissioning as part of the second anniversary celebrations of President Bola Tinubu’s administration—Wike emphasized the urgent need for residents, particularly the elite, to meet their statutory obligations.
President Tinubu will mark two years in office on Thursday, May 29, 2025, and Wike revealed that a number of key projects in both urban and satellite areas will be commissioned within the next 19 days, with some new ones also scheduled for inauguration.
Elite Defaulters and Rising Frustration
The minister strongly criticized a segment of the elite class for deliberately violating tax laws, particularly in relation to the non-payment of ground rents. He underscored that while these individuals comply with tax laws abroad, they often disregard the same responsibilities in Nigeria due to weak enforcement and a culture of impunity.
“We must support the government by fulfilling our financial obligations. People want roads and infrastructure, yet they don’t ask where the funds come from. Abuja is not an oil-producing region; we depend solely on internally generated revenue, especially taxes and ground rents,” he said.
Wike hinted at an impending increase in ground rent rates and stressed that he would not yield to blackmail or political pressure from defaulters, no matter their status. “We will do what we are supposed to do. If you haven’t paid, we will take necessary actions. This is leadership, and we must act decisively,” he asserted.
High-Profile Sealings and Presidential Grace Period
Earlier in the week, officials from the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) sealed Wadata Plaza—the national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)—over 28 years of unpaid ground rent. Other government agencies, including the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), also had their offices sealed due to similar violations.
In response, the PDP and FIRS accused Wike of operating with impunity and harboring political bias. However, President Tinubu later stepped in, offering a 14-day grace period for all defaulters to clear their outstanding dues.
Clarification on Nyanya Explosion: “Not a Suicide Bombing”
Addressing recent media reports about an explosion near Nyanya, Wike rejected claims of a suicide bombing incident. He clarified that security briefings did not support that narrative and warned against spreading false information that could cause public panic.
“What happened was that someone picked up an explosive device from a quarry site, likely unaware of its danger, and it exploded. It was not a suicide bombing. Let’s not sensationalize or misinform. The security agencies never reported it as such,” Wike explained.
He urged the public and the media to be cautious with the language used in reporting security matters, stressing that miscommunication can cause unnecessary fear and tension.
Positive Outlook on Infrastructure Development
On a more positive note, the minister expressed satisfaction with the progress and quality of the infrastructure projects he inspected. He praised the contractors for adhering to deadlines and maintaining high standards, highlighting that these developments reflect the Tinubu administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure in the FCT.
“I feel very happy with what I have seen. The quality of work is impressive, and I believe the residents are beginning to see the impact of President Tinubu’s infrastructure promises,” Wike concluded.
As he continues to push for accountability and development, Wike reaffirmed his commitment to tackling the revenue generation crisis in the FCT head-on, promising that no amount of resistance will deter the administration from enforcing compliance with existing laws.
