Follow Us on Google
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning to ground rent defaulters in the FCT, stating clearly that there will be no further extension of the deadline for payment. Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Monday, November 24, 2025, following an inspection of key infrastructure projects in Wuse and Life Camp, he stressed that the two-week grace period and the additional presidential intervention extension granted months ago have long expired. He stressed that this is the final opportunity for defaulters to settle their dues.
The minister lamented the public’s tendency to complain but not comply with rules. He pointed out, “It’s unfortunate that most Nigerians who complain don’t want to abide by the rules. You realize that when we started this enforcement, we also had a presidential intervention to give them two, three weeks more. But it’s more than four months now and we cannot carry out projects without people paying their taxes.” He added, “We did also make publications of extending the deadline and of course, you know they like to rush. If you don’t go and enforce it, nobody will pay. So, we believe that this is the last time. We are not going to extend any further.”
Other News
On enforcement action, the Minister declared that officials of the FCT Administration would seal the premises of those who default on payment and such properties would revert to the Administration. He stated, “If you have not paid, we will seal up the premises and the property then becomes the property of the FCT Administration.”
In his inspection tour updates, Wike expressed satisfaction with ongoing road infrastructure projects including the Transit Way N2 linking the Central Business District to Wuse and the Arterial Road N5 from Life Camp Junction to Karmo. The Minister noted the contractors’ pledge to complete the projects within the timelines, with Levante Construction Ltd set to finish Transit Way N2 by May/June 2026, and Julius Berger aiming to hand over Arterial Road N5 by January 2026. “We are very happy with the quality of the job done. In fact, where we are standing is amazing,” he remarked.
Responding to queries about the commissioned bus terminals, Wike explained that the process of selecting operators was ongoing and expected to conclude by the end of the year, stressing the importance of due process. “You know it’s a contract and so the procurement is ongoing… So, it’s a matter of getting things done very well the way it’s supposed to be by following due process,” he said.
