The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike says there will be no further extension in the administration’s enforcement drive against defaulters of ground rent and other statutory fees in the nation’s capital.
Wike made the declaration during an inspection tour of ongoing projects handled by construction firms Julius Berger and Leventis in Abuja.
He stressed that Abuja’s aggressive development efforts are being funded strictly from the FCT’s internal budget.
The Minister noted that “the earlier notice issued to property owners in default will lapse this week, and emphasised that the administration will not grant any additional grace period.”
Addressing circulating notices on ground rent enforcement, Wike stated: “Certainly, it has to be the last time. It is unfortunate that most Nigerians who complain do not want to abide by the rules.
“We cannot carry out these projects without people paying their taxes. We extended by two or three weeks, but it is now more than four months. This is the last time. We are not going to extend further.”
He said that properties whose owners fail to comply risk being sealed.
At the N5 corridor, Wike expressed satisfaction with the pace of work by Julius Berger, describing the progress as remarkable on a project that had been stalled for years.
He said; “We have been here several years ago when this bridge was ongoing. But today we are on top of the bridge. Julius Berger has assured us that by the end of January, N5 will be delivered.
We are very happy with the quality of the job done.”
At the Central Area–Wuse link road project handled by Leventis, Wike said the contractor remains on schedule to complete the work by early June.
“The head works are ongoing, and they assured us that by the end of May, first week of June, the work will be completed. This road is very key as it connects the Central Area to Wuse,” he explained.
Wike also clarified that despite public perception, the current wave of construction across the FCT is not funded by the national budget.
“We are implementing the FCT 2025 budget. That is what we are using.
“We have not received a dime from this year’s national budget, though we believe those funds will be released before year-end,” he said.
The Minister said that the Central Area–Wuse link road is being executed under emergency funding provisions of the FCT budget.
Responding to concerns about the minimal activity at newly commissioned bus terminals, Wike said the issue was procedural and would be resolved soon.
“It’s a contract. Procurement is ongoing. We must see the number of fleets they have. By God’s grace, before the end of the year, that will have been rounded up. It’s all about doing things by due process,” he noted.
Reflecting on the pace of development, Wike maintained that the administration is on track with its commitments.
“We don’t have any problem implementing the budget. The work is moving as planned. But residents must pay their taxes. You cannot enjoy these projects without fulfilling your obligations,” he added.