The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has announced plans to review ground rent payments. He said the resistance of Abuja residents to pay taxes is his biggest challenge in office.
On Monday, the FCT administration began sealing properties of defaulters. These included the National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party, the National Agency for Trafficking in Persons, the Federal Inland Revenue Service, a branch of Access Bank, and a TotalEnergies filling station.
The PDP and FIRS criticized the move, calling it unprofessional and a threat to democracy.
President Bola Tinubu intervened, granting defaulters a two-week deadline to clear outstanding sums. Penalties range between ₦2 million and ₦3 million, depending on the property’s location.
Wike Urges Compliance, Warns Against Tax Evasion
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday after inspecting projects in Abuja, Wike criticized residents for demanding infrastructure while failing to support government funding through tax payments.
“My greatest challenge is the refusal of people to pay what they owe,” Wike stated.
He revealed that many debtors owe up to 20 years in ground rent, even though rates have remained unchanged.
Wike compared the situation to tax enforcement abroad, stating that elites with overseas properties comply with tax laws due to the risk of forfeiture.
“Yet, in their own country, they refuse to comply, believing there are no sanctions,” he said.
He reaffirmed plans to increase ground rent soon.
“Let no one think that blackmail or intimidation will deter us; we will do what is necessary,” he warned.
Over 1,500 Certificates of Occupancy Signed
Wike disclosed that he recently signed over 1,500 Certificates of Occupancy and Deeds of Assignment. He urged residents to pay their taxes and ground rent, stating that compliance would drive development in the FCT.
“If you pay your taxes, you will see the difference it makes. That is what we are striving to achieve,” he added.
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