.As Senate approves N1.8trn 2025 FCT budget
FAVOUR ISHEMBER, Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has expressed disappointment over the reluctance of property owners in Abuja to pay their ground rents.
Speaking at a recent media chat, Wike lamented that despite the importance of taxes in funding infrastructure development, many property owners in the FCT refuse to meet their obligations.
According to Wike, the FCT relies heavily on taxes, including ground rents, to fund its operations and provide essential services. He noted that the non-payment of ground rents has been a major challenge for the administration, and warned that failure to comply may result in penalties, fines, or even revocation of titles.
The Minister revealed that the President has given a window of two weeks for property owners to settle their outstanding ground rents.
Wike emphasized that the FCTA will not give in to blackmail and will take necessary actions to enforce compliance. He disclosed that the penalty structure for defaulters will be based on the location of the property, with properties in the Central Area attracting a penalty of N5 million, while those in Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, and Guzape Districts will pay N3 million, and properties in Wuse I, Garki I, and Garki II will pay N2
According to the Minister:”is unfortunate that most elites own houses overseas. They know the implications of not paying your taxes. They know such houses are gone. But when it comes to your own country, you do not want to do that, simply because nobody wants to obey law and everybody thinks they are no sanctioned. And 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. So we must live. We must do something to say that we are also supporting the government to see that the infrastructure that we need, we do our own part”
“Look at the years, 20 something years, 30 something years. And how much is it? We have not increased the ground rent but, we are working towards that. We will do that”.
“I can assure you, 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 give in for blackmail. We will do the right thing. If you have not paid, we will take”.
As I travelled, I signed over 1,500 C-of-Os and assignments. Now, when we sign that, you collect the C-of-O, and then you will not pay taxes to the government. I mean, it’s not acceptable. It doesn’t matter what anybody wants to say, it’s not acceptable.
“So that’s our challenges. Pay your taxes and see what we are doing. It’s not to say, FCT is doing well. How are we doing well? We are doing well because we are managing the resources we have prudently. If you pay your taxes, you will see that it will be a different thing. And that’s what we are trying to do. So this is one of the heavy challenges that we are facing and we will surmount it. Be assured that we are going to surmount it”.
Despite the challenges, Wike highlighted the FCT administration’s commitment to developing infrastructure in the territory. He showcased several projects that are nearing completion, including the International Conference Centre, the N5 road project in Life Camp, and the Gishiri road project.
The Minister expressed satisfaction with the quality of work done by contractors and praised the President’s commitment to developing road infrastructure in the country.
Reacting to claims of a recent security incident, Wike clarified that the incident was not a suicide bombing, but rather an accidental explosion caused by an individual who had taken explosives from a quarry site.
He reassured residents that the FCT is one of the most secure areas in the country and that the administration is doing everything possible to maintain security in the territory.
The Minister also revealed that the FCT administration is preparing to commission several projects in the coming weeks, including the Gishiri road project, which is likely to be the first project to be commissioned.
He expressed optimism that the projects will be completed on schedule and praised the contractors for their good work.
Wike emphasized the importance of property owners paying their ground rents and taxes to support the development of infrastructure in the FCT. He warned that failure to comply may result in penalties and fines, and assured residents that the administration will continue to work towards improving security and developing the territory.
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