…Says Abuja can’t develop on free rides, defaulters risk being named and shamed
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has issued a strong warning to property owners in Abuja who have refused to pay their ground rent, vowing to publicly publish the names of defaulters if they continue to evade their obligations.
Speaking during the commissioning of a newly constructed collector Road Cn2 (Zakari a Kyari Street) from arterial road N11 (Ahmadu Bello Way) in Mabushi to Judges Quarters in katampe and other roads project on Thursday, Wike declared that Abuja’s infrastructure development cannot be sustained unless residents and landowners pay their taxes.
“If you know you have land here and you have not paid your ground rent, I will publish your name,” Wike stated firmly. “It’s not to embarrass anyone; it’s simply the truth. We need that money to build the roads and infrastructure you are benefiting from.”
He criticized wealthy individuals who shirk their responsibilities locally while complying with property tax laws in foreign countries. “Before they leave London, they pay their property tax. In America, they pay. But in Nigeria, they want to be begged and given time. That won’t continue,” he said.
Wike also took a swipe at the narrative that Abuja is a ‘rich’ city, pointing out that the FCT receives only one percent of the federal allocation each month barely enough to cover salaries, let alone infrastructure. “If the Federal Government gets ₦800 billion monthly, Abuja gets only 1% that’s ₦8 billion. Meanwhile, our salary bill is about ₦13 billion due to the new minimum wage,” he explained.
He emphasized that projects like these are made possible by residents’ compliance with financial obligations. “You can’t enjoy services in the city for free. Taxation is what drives development. We will not allow sentiment or political affiliation to interfere with what is right,” he added.
Commissioning the road project, which was completed within eight to nine months despite an initial 12-month deadline, Wike praised the contractor for demonstrating capacity and commitment. “This is what development is about,” he said. “The road not only connects Judges’ Quarters but also opens up access to multiple communities. The value of land here has now skyrocketed.”
Wike concluded by commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support and reaffirmed his administration’s determination to push forward with infrastructure renewal across the FCT.
