Abuja
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike plans an aggressive revenue drive to fund and complete major projects across the territory.
After inspecting ongoing projects, Wike stressed the importance of tax payments in funding development initiatives that improve residents’ lives.
“Taxes enable us to complete meaningful projects that impact our people,” he said.
He emphasized prudent financial management, stating that efficient fund use is key to timely project completion.
“You can have funds, but if you don’t manage them well, you won’t achieve results,” he noted.
Wike assured that his administration will not start projects without adequate funding, warning against awarding contracts that may lead to abandoned projects.
“I won’t start a project without funds. People want completed projects, not just awarded contracts,” he added.
Addressing concerns about revoked Certificates of Occupancy (CofOs), he explained that compliance with tax payments is crucial.
“Revoking CofOs ensures compliance. These payments fund vital projects,” he stated.
Wike urged residents to fulfill their tax obligations, emphasizing that development efforts are about responsibility, not politics.
“Government provides land, and citizens must pay their annual ground rent to fund development,” he said.
Acknowledging calls for project extensions, he stressed that only steady revenue inflows can support them.
“We want to extend projects, but we need funds. How do we ensure that? Through tax compliance,” he explained.
Wike reaffirmed his commitment to an aggressive but legal revenue drive to complete all ongoing projects.
“We will be very aggressive—within legal limits—to generate the revenue needed to finish our projects,” he declared.
