The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has urged Abuja residents to pay their outstanding ground rent to support ongoing infrastructure development in the city.
Speaking during the official flags-off upgrading of roads in Bwari Area Council, Wike emphasised that Abuja relies on revenue from ground rent and taxes to build and maintain roads, noting that the city does not generate income from oil.
“There’s no oil in Abuja. The only oil you have is your ground rent. That’s how we fund these routes,” he said.
Wike highlighted that new roads and repairs are making it easier for residents to navigate, and he urged them to fulfil their civic duties by paying taxes and rent.
“Because you have a right that when you pay a tax, you have a right to ask questions. What did you do with my money? Nobody will prosecute you for doing that,” he assured.
The minister also pointed to ongoing projects like the nearly completed Karshi-Apo Road and the rehabilitation of the Karu-Orozo Road. He mentioned that a heavily trafficked road in Disa, which was initially built with a single layer of asphalt, is now being upgraded with two layers for durability.
Wike stressed the importance of citizen participation, adding that the funds from taxes and rent enable the government to maintain and improve infrastructure.