The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a firm warning to wealthy property owners in Abuja who have failed to pay their ground rent, threatening to publicly publish their names if they continue to default.
Speaking on Thursday during the commissioning of Collector Road CN2 (Zakari A. Kyari Street), which links Arterial Road N11 (Ahmadu Bello Way) in Mabushi to Judges Quarters in Katampe, Wike criticised what he described as the culture of non-compliance among Nigeria’s affluent class.
“The problem we are having are the big men. The big men are those who will make sure they don’t pay taxes,” Wike stated. “But these big men, before they leave London, they pay their property taxes. Before they leave America, they pay their taxes. They know the consequences.”
The minister lamented the widespread disregard for tax obligations in Nigeria, contrasting it with behaviour abroad:
“But here, they would like to be chased. They would like, ‘Oh, let there be noise.’ And then the next thing they would do, ‘Oh, give us time.’ But in London, they don’t say give us time. In America, they don’t say give us time. In that place, they would obey.”
Wike, who has taken a tough stance on revenue collection in the capital, reiterated that the government cannot continue to tolerate evasive behaviour from the elite.
“If you know you have land here and you have not paid, I will publish your name that you have not paid. It’s not that I want to embarrass you. No. We need the money to do the work that we are doing.”
He also made clear that the poor are not the ones erecting luxurious properties in Abuja, and that the wealthy beneficiaries must contribute to development:
“No poor man can build these houses. No poor man. These houses are being built by rich men. So you have to pay so that we can carry out the job.”
Turning briefly to his political base, Wike expressed gratitude to those from Rivers State who continue to support his efforts:
“I thank all those, particularly those from Rivers State, who have been giving us support every day… I want to tell you, thank you for all you have done to show that your son has not disappointed you.”
He concluded with a promise of continued dedication: “Let me assure you, we will not disappoint you. I will not disappoint Nigerians.”
Wike’s remarks highlight the administration’s increasing emphasis on accountability and revenue generation, particularly from affluent landowners benefiting from infrastructure development in Nigeria’s capital.
