The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced that a hike in ground rent is on the way for Abuja residents and organizations that have failed to pay their ground rent and taxes.
Speaking to journalists after inspecting ongoing infrastructure works in the capital on Wednesday, Wike expressed frustration over widespread tax evasion, calling it the biggest challenge facing his administration.
“My greatest challenge is the refusal of people to pay what they owe. I will elaborate on this in the next media chat. People want facilities, they want infrastructure, but nobody asks where the funds come from. Abuja is not an oil-producing city; we rely solely on taxes. These are not new taxes; they have been in place for years,” he said.
Wike lamented that many wealthy individuals who own properties overseas understand the consequences of tax evasion abroad—such properties can be forfeited.
However, when it comes to their own country, they refuse to comply, believing there are no penalties.
“It is unfortunate that many elites own houses overseas. They understand the consequences of not paying taxes abroad — such properties can be forfeited. Yet, when it comes to their own country, they refuse to comply simply because they believe there are no sanctions.”
He revealed that numerous property owners in Abuja owe ground rents dating back 20 to 30 years, despite no increase in rates for many years.
“Look at the arrears—20, 30 years. And how much is it? We have not increased the ground rent, but we are working towards that, and I can assure you we will do so. The President has granted a two-week waiver. Let no one think that blackmail or intimidation will deter us; we will do what is necessary,” Wike said.
He added that the FCT Administration is reviewing the ground rent charges and will soon implement increases.
Earlier this week, the FCTA began sealing properties of major ground rent defaulters. This included offices of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the National Agency for Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), a branch of Access Bank, and a TotalEnergies filling station.
The sealing of these properties sparked strong criticism from the PDP and FIRS, who described the actions as excessive and undemocratic
In response to the backlash, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu intervened, granting a 14-day grace period for the affected property owners to settle their outstanding dues. Penalties ranging from N2 million to N3 million, depending on property location, were also imposed.
Wike, however, remained unbothered, saying enforcement would continue regardless of opposition.
“Let no one think blackmail or intimidation will stop us. We must do what is necessary,” he stated.
The Minister further disclosed that over 1,500 Certificates of Occupancy and Deeds of Assignment have been signed recently and urged residents to pay their taxes and ground rents to support development in the FCT.
“If you pay your taxes, you will see the difference it makes. That is what we are striving to achieve,” Wike added.
