The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed his administration’s determination to seal off properties owned by individuals and organisations that have failed to pay their statutory ground rents, warning that non-compliance undermines Abuja’s infrastructural development agenda.
Speaking during his monthly media chat in Abuja on Monday, Wike lamented the failure of property owners to comply with a directive issued by President Bola Tinubu in May 2025, which gave defaulters a two-week ultimatum to settle their debts.
Despite the grace period now extending beyond three months, many have reportedly refused to pay.
“You should know what I’m going to do next,” Wike declared. “I thank God the President said two weeks; we are at more than three months. That is Nigeria for you. Very soon, we are going to seal up all those properties. I am going to seal them up.”
The minister emphasised that such revenues are critical to financing essential infrastructure and public services in the capital.
“You can’t deny us the taxes we will use for development. You’re talking about the health sector now; you’re talking about education… but with what? Pay us the taxes that you should pay, but you said no,” he said.
Highlighting ongoing efforts to improve the capital’s infrastructure, Wike cited the KT and Tanishida road projects, which he said are nearing completion, and the upcoming Royal Water Project, which aims to improve the water supply in Kubwa, Kauru, and parts of Oboa.
In preparation for Abuja’s 50th anniversary in February 2026, the minister announced the Native Abuja Project, aimed at revitalising key urban spaces. He also disclosed that during President Tinubu’s planned visit to China in November, the FCT will sign a memorandum of understanding with Chinese construction firms CGC and ECC to tackle ongoing issues with street lighting.
“We’ve insisted that contractors not only install but also maintain streetlight infrastructure for four to five years—without asking for additional payment. This new strategy ensures sustainability and puts an end to the endless cycle of vandalism and non-functional equipment,” Wike explained.
He said that once the city’s lighting systems are fully functional, attention will shift to extending solar power solutions to rural areas.
The minister also addressed concerns about social services, particularly in the area of education. He revealed that numerous urban and rural schools have been quietly rehabilitated, but not publicly commissioned.
“I challenge the media to go on a fact-finding tour… We didn’t commission many of these projects publicly because I didn’t think it was necessary to hold elaborate ceremonies just to reopen renovated classrooms. But that has left room for mischief-makers to falsely claim we’ve ignored education,” he said.
Additionally, Wike disclosed the construction of three youth-focused sports centres—one in Bwari and two within Abuja city—to foster youth engagement and development.
Responding to criticisms that his administration has not engaged with stakeholders, Wike stated that the FCTA has held consultations across all six area councils, directly influencing key decisions, such as the creation of the FCT Service Commission and the approval for a new university in Abuja.
“Stakeholder engagement doesn’t mean staging a media spectacle—it means acting on the feedback from the people,” he said.
He also criticised National Assembly members representing the FCT for what he described as their inaction in lobbying for special intervention funds.
“Instead of asking to be invited to commission projects, they should be lobbying for special intervention funds for the FCT. This is the capital city of Nigeria—it deserves a distinct allocation,” he asserted.
Wike addressed the division of responsibilities between the FCTA and area councils, particularly in the area of education. While local councils are responsible for managing primary education, Wike stated that the FCTA has often assumed the financial burden of physical infrastructure due to the limited resources of local councils.
“Some area councils receive as little as ₦317 million monthly, while salary obligations often exceed ₦500 million. That leaves little to nothing for development,” he said. “We intervene because when schools are in bad shape, the public blames the FCT Minister—not the area councils.”
Responding to critics who claim his administration focuses excessively on infrastructure, Wike defended his approach, noting that no serious investor would consider investing in a city that lacks basic amenities such as roads, electricity, and lighting.
“Social media critics may not understand this, but serious investors do,” he remarked.
While rejecting calls for a “state of emergency” in the education sector as a mere rhetorical gesture, Wike called for a more strategic approach grounded in planning, funding, and long-term commitment.
“Declaring a state of emergency isn’t a silver bullet. What we need is strategic funding, improved planning, and collaboration. It’s not about sensationalism—it’s about results,” he said.
