The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has strongly criticized affluent residents of Abuja for failing to comply with tax and ground rent obligations, calling them a major barrier to the city’s development.
Wike made these comments during the commissioning of the newly completed Collector Road CN2 (Zakari A. Kyari Street).
The event, held in celebration of President Bola Tinubu’s second year in office, was presided over by Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, who represented the President.
The CN2 road links Ahmadu Bello Way in Mabushi to Katampe District, including the Judges’ Quarters. It was funded entirely through internally generated revenue by the FCT Administration.
“Rich people in Abuja don’t want to pay taxes, yet they pay without hesitation in London or the U.S.,” Wike stated.
He highlighted that ongoing infrastructure projects are financed by taxes and ground rents from compliant residents, and took aim at defaulters who protest when enforcement actions like property sealing occur despite benefiting from public amenities.
“People assume Abuja is wealthy, but how rich are we? Out of the ₦800 billion monthly federal allocation, we receive just ₦8 billion. That doesn’t even cover our ₦13 billion wage bill,” Wike said.
He stressed that tax compliance is essential for sustaining infrastructure growth in the capital.
“Poor people don’t own homes in Katampe or Mabushi only the wealthy live there. If you haven’t paid your ground rent, we will publish your name. It’s not to embarrass anyone, but we need the funds to keep developing.”
Wike made it clear that the issue transcends political affiliation, noting that civic contributions are vital regardless of party loyalty.
He also appealed to President Tinubu to publicly urge residents of Abuja to meet their tax and rent obligations.
Earlier in the event, Richard Dauda, Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), stated that the dual-lane CN2 road was constructed by CGC Nigeria Limited and launched in October 2024.
The project, which includes connecting single-lane roads, is part of broader efforts to enhance infrastructure and development in Katampe.
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