ABUJA – The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has issued a final warning to property owners regarding ground rent payments, declaring an end to all extensions while confirming major progress on key infrastructure projects across the capital.
During an inspection tour of ongoing construction by Julius Berger and Leventis on Monday, the Minister revealed that the N5 corridor project is scheduled for completion by the end of January, while the Central Area–Wuse link road is expected to be finished by early June.
“We have been here several years ago when this bridge was ongoing. But today we are on top of the bridge,” Wike stated at the N5 site. “Julius Berger has assured us that by the end of January, N5 will be delivered. We are very happy with the quality of the job done.”
At the Leventis-handled Central Area–Wuse link road project, the Minister confirmed: “The head works are ongoing, and they assured us that by the end of May, first week of June the work will be completed. This road is very key as it connects the central area to Wuse.”
The Minister delivered a firm message on ground rent enforcement, stating: “Certainly, it has to be the last time. We extended by two or three weeks, but it is now more than four months. This is the last time; we are not going to extend further.”
He warned that non-compliant properties risk being sealed, emphasizing that the FCT’s development drive is funded entirely through internal revenues. “We cannot carry out these projects without people paying their taxes,” Wike stressed. “You cannot enjoy these projects without fulfilling your obligations.”
Addressing funding concerns, the Minister clarified that current construction projects are being executed under the FCT’s 2025 budget, not the national budget. “We have not received a dime from this year’s national budget, though we believe those funds will be released before year-end,” he noted.
On the newly commissioned but underutilized bus terminals, Wike attributed the low activity to ongoing procurement processes, assuring that the issue would be resolved by year-end. “It’s a contract. Procurement is ongoing. We must see the number of fleets they have,” he explained.
The Minister maintained that his administration remains committed to its development timeline, stating: “We don’t have any problem implementing the budget. The work is moving as planned.”
