Wike Threatens Action Against Ground Rent Defaulters
- Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, vows to seal properties of owners who fail to pay ground rents despite President Tinubu's ultimatum
- Wike noted that over three months have passed since President Tinubu's ultimatum, as he outlines the action the ministry is set to take
- Wike explains the crucial effect of the debts on FCT's infrastructure development plans, including healthcare and education
FCT, Abuja - The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has vowed to take decisive action against property owners who have failed to pay their ground rents, warning that their properties will be sealed if they don't comply.
Source: Twitter
The minister stated this during his monthly media chat in Abuja on Monday, July 4, as reported by The Punch.
President Bola Tinubu, in May 2025, had earlier issued a 2-week ultimatum to defaulters of the ground rent to settle their outstanding debts.
Speaking during the media engagement, Wike recalled the ultimatum granted by the president, which has surpassed three months.
Wike stated, “You should know what I’m going to do next. I thank God the President said two weeks; we are at more than three months.
“That is Nigeria for you. We have just finished a programme of commissioning projects. Very soon, we are going to seal up all those properties. I am going to seal it up.”
The minister expressed disappointment that some property owners had not taken advantage of the President's grace period to settle their debts, stressing that recovering these funds is crucial for the administration's infrastructure development plans.
“You can’t deny us the taxes we will use for development. You’re talking about the health sector now; you’re talking about education. What have we done in other sectors? With what? You want this. Pay us the taxes that you should pay, but you said no.
“We have listened to Mr President in his wisdom; give them two weeks, give them one month, we have done that. Some have complied, some have refused to comply." Wike expressed
The minister further noted the possibility of opposition leaders seizing the opportunity to politicise the incoming development, stressing that such attempts won't hinder the ministry from pursuing its objective.
“Tomorrow, by the time you start doing this, of course, the normal politics will come up. I will not listen to that.
“Bear it in mind, I won’t do it. If you have not complied, if you have not paid, we are going to seal it up. There’s no magic of talking long, talking this, you can blackmail as you want, you can go to Arise, stay there for how many hours, we are going to carry it out,” he stated.
Source: Twitter
Wike revoked 7000 hectares of land from UnIAbuja
Legit.ng previously reported that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, announced that his administration had revoked 7,000 hectares out of the 11,000 hectares acquired by the University of Abuja due to a lack of documents backing the acquisition of the land by the school.
The minister expressed concern about the university's alleged "land grabbing," pointing out that it had fenced off vast areas of land without obtaining the necessary approvals or providing adequate documentation.
Wike orders revocation of PDP secretariat
Legit.ng also reported that the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revoked the land of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national secretariat in Abuja.
The revocation notice was contained in a letter dated March 13, 2025. The letter titled “Notice of right of occupancy” was signed by the Director, Land Administration (FTC), Chijioke Nwankwoeze.
Source: Legit.ng
