Wike Blames Tax Evasion, Unpaid Ground Rents for Slow Development in Abuja
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has blamed widespread tax evasion and decades of unpaid ground rents as key obstacles to infrastructural development in Abuja.
Speaking during a project tour ahead of President Tinubu’s second year in office, Wike said, “Abuja is not an oil producing region. Our only revenue is tax, yet people expect services without contributing.”
He criticized wealthy Nigerians who pay taxes abroad but evade them at home, and warned that the FCT Administration will continue sealing defaulting institutions—including the PDP Secretariat, NAPTIP, FIRS, Access Bank, and a TotalEnergies station.
After the clampdown, President Tinubu approved a 14-day grace period for defaulters to pay up, with fines ranging from ₦2 million to ₦3 million.
Wike also revealed that some residents haven’t paid ground rent in over 20 years, despite stable rates. He said a review to increase rent in line with economic realities is underway.
“I’ve signed over 1,500 land documents already. We’re working, but residents must meet their civic duties,” he added.
On reports of a Nyanya suicide bombing, Wike clarified that the explosion involved quarry explosives, not terrorism, and urged journalists to avoid spreading fear.
He reassured that Abuja remains one of Nigeria’s safest cities.
