Minister of the the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has vowed that the FCT Administration will intensify enforcement of the payment of ground rent and would not be deterred by blackmail.
This was a key message from the Minister during an extensive inspection tour of ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja today, aimed at assessing their readiness for commissioning to mark President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second year in office.
Despite the evident progress in infrastructure development, the Minister lamented the long-standing issue of ground rent arrears, with some debts dating back twenty to thirty years. He emphasized the disconnect between residents’ desire for facilities and their reluctance to contribute financially.
“People just want facilities, people want infrastructure, but nobody asks where are you getting these funds,” Barrister Wike remarked. He drew a stark comparison with international practices, noting that “most elites own houses overseas, they know the implication of not paying your taxes. They know such houses are gone. But when it comes to your own country, you don’t want to do that, simply because nobody wants to obey the law.”
In a firm stance against non-compliance, the Minister said defaulters have been given a two-week window by the President to regularize their ground rent payments. He stated unequivocally that the FCTA would not succumb to blackmail and is resolute in doing “the right thing.”.
“I can assure you that the President has given a window of two weeks. Let nobody think that blackmail or whatever will stop us. we will do what we are supposed to do. This is all about leadership. We will not cave in to blackmail. We will do the right thing.
“I have said it; that it did not happen yesterday does not mean it will not happen today. That it did not happen today does not mean it will not happen tomorrow, the Minister stressed.
Barrister Wike also revealed that he has signed over 1,500 Certificates of Occupancy and Deeds of Assignments in recent weeks, urging residents to fulfill their obligations. He assured them that prompt tax payments would significantly enhance the FCTA’s capacity to deliver even more infrastructure projects.
Turning to the key projects he inspected, including the International Conference Centre (ICC), and Arterial Roads N5 and N16, Barrister Wike expressed satisfaction with the progress of work, highlighting the FCTA’s dedication to delivering critical infrastructure. He confirmed that the ICC is fully ready, while the Arterial Road N5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way) is 95% complete and expected to be fully ready by next week. The N16 interchange, connecting Maitama and Katampe districts, has also seen significant completion, with sections soon to be opened to traffic.
The Minister also took the opportunity to address recent concerns regarding a security incident at Mogadishu Cantonment (Abacha Barracks), clarifying that reports of a suicide bomber were inaccurate. He explained that the incident involved an individual who picked up an explosive from a quarry, which subsequently detonated on him.
Barrister Wike cautioned against unverified stories that could instill fear and reassured residents of the FCT Administration’s continuous efforts to improve security, affirming Abuja remains one of the most secure places in the country.
