The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that individuals residing in premium Abuja districts such as Maitama, Wuse 2, Guzape, Asokoro, and the Central Business Areas cannot claim poverty as an excuse for failing to pay ground rent.
Speaking during his monthly press briefing in Abuja on Monday, Wike expressed frustration over wealthy property owners who refuse to fulfill their ground rent obligations while maintaining properties abroad where they diligently pay taxes.
"It's unfortunate in our country that you pay for two years and it's about to expire, and you expect the landlord to remind you," Wike stated. "You have a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) and you will be paying annually to keep that property, and you are now saying some people may not have the financial power to keep to it."
The minister's comments come in the wake of enforcement actions by the FCT Administration, which began sealing off properties whose owners have defaulted on ground rent payments. The operation commenced last week, targeting non-compliant properties across the capital city.
Wike particularly criticized the elite class, noting: "Most of the elites own properties overseas where they pay taxes, but here in Nigeria nothing will happen, and it's the attitude that has killed us."
He emphasized that the annual ground rent, which he indicated does not exceed ₦400,000 for most properties, is a reasonable obligation for property owners in these upscale areas.
During the same briefing, Wike announced plans for a 19-day project commissioning exercise, after which new projects would be initiated. This forms part of his ongoing infrastructure development agenda for the Federal Capital Territory.
The enforcement of ground rent payment has sparked debates among Abuja residents and stakeholders, with some criticizing the approach while others support the government's efforts to ensure compliance with property regulations.
