Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reiterated his administration’s determination not to yield to blackmail from any quarter, particularly regarding the enforcement of ground rent payments.
He stressed that his greatest challenge remains the refusal of some residents, especially the elite, to pay ground rents.
President Bola Tinubu had granted a 14-day ultimatum for defaulters to pay their arrears, along with penalties ranging from N2 million to N3 million, depending on property location.
Speaking on the recent sealing of properties belonging to ground rent defaulters, including major institutions like the National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the National Agency for Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Access Bank and a TotalEnergies Filling Station, which have drawn criticisms, Wike said: “It is unfortunate that most elite own houses overseas. They know the implication of not paying 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, everybody thinks there are no sanctions.
He also revealed that he recently signed over 1,500 Certificates of Occupancy and Deeds of Assignment, urging residents to pay their taxes and ground rents to support development in the FCT.
“If you pay tax, you will see that it will be a different thing. And that’s what we are trying to do.”
The minister also addressed recent security concerns, denying reports of a suicide bombing in Abuja. He described such claims as deliberate misinformation intended to create panic.
He clarified that security agencies never reported such, and urged for investigative journalism.
“What happened was that somebody went to where we have a quarry; where they blast all these rocks and took an explosive and put in his pocket. Of course, some of them may not even understand the implication of that, so it exploded on him. But, that does not mean it’s a suicide bomber,” the Minister explained. He cautioned against planting unverified stories that could instil fear.
The minister reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to strengthening security and urged responsible journalism and public cooperation.
He also undertook an extensive inspection of critical infrastructure projects across Abuja city centre, in preparation for their commissioning to mark the second anniversary of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In a statement by Assistant Director of Press, Rabi Umar during the tour, Wike assessed the progress of major developments, including the International Conference Centre (ICC) and the Arterial Roads N5 and N16. He expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work, emphasising the FCT administration’s dedication to delivering vital infrastructure for residents.
“The International Conference Centre is fully ready for commissioning, with the contractor having fulfilled their commitments, showcasing superb quality,” said the Minister. He further revealed that Arterial Road N5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way) from Life Junction to Ring Road III is 95 percent completed, with contractor Julius Berger guaranteeing full readiness by the end of next week.
Regarding the N16 interchange, which connects Maitama and Katampe districts at Gishiri, Wike said: “The contractor, CGC, has completed significant portions of the bridge, with the section leading to Judges’ Quarters and the link from Jahi to Wole Soyinka Way now fully open.” He commended the contractors for their professionalism and quality of work.
He indicated that while the International Conference Centre was initially slated for early commissioning, requests from members of the House of Representatives and Senate Committees on the FCT necessitated a date adjustment to ensure broader participation. He added that the arterial road N16 would likely be the first project to be unveiled.
