The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has called out wealthy property owners in Abuja's premium districts for evading ground rent payments, stating that these "high and mighty" individuals act as if they are above the law.
Speaking during his monthly media parley in Abuja on Monday, Wike urged Nigerians to pray for him daily as he confronts powerful individuals who refuse to comply with tax regulations.
"How many poor people live in Maitama, Wuse? The rich men will hire people to go to the press to talk as if they are talking on behalf of the poor people," Wike questioned, challenging the narrative that his tax enforcement measures target ordinary citizens.
The minister further emphasized his point by asking, "Mention how many people will own a house in Maitama here? How many poor people have business in Maitama, Central Business Area, Wuse, and Gariki?"
Wike highlighted that every government faces funding challenges, drawing parallels with advanced countries where tax evasion is treated with utmost seriousness. "In advanced countries, they don't joke with the issue of taxes. You can even go free with murder cases than tax evasion," he stated.
The FCT minister expressed frustration over the resistance he faces when implementing necessary policies. "You should be praying for people like us everyday because of what we see and pass through. When we take decisions to do the right thing, you see all things of comment but you should take the pains to ask questions when you see the high and mighty who think that they are above the law," he added.
This statement comes amid ongoing efforts by the FCT administration to recover outstanding ground rent from property owners in Abuja's high-end districts, with Wike previously threatening to seal properties of defaulters regardless of their status or influence.
The minister's comments reflect his determination to enforce compliance with tax regulations in the FCT, particularly targeting affluent individuals and businesses that have historically evaded their financial obligations to the territory.
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