The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has publicly condemned wealthy residents of Abuja, often referred to as “big men,” for their poor voluntary tax compliance, describing them as the major obstacle to development in the nation’s capital.
Speaking at the inauguration of the newly constructed Collector Road CN2 (Zakari A. Kyari Street) by President Bola Tinubu, Wike lamented that these affluent individuals often neglect their tax and ground rent obligations locally, while willingly paying taxes in foreign countries such as the UK and the US.
“For those who said we sealed their houses for not paying ground rent, see the value; see the product of paying a ground rent,” Wike stated, highlighting that infrastructure projects like the new road in Katampe District were funded by taxes and ground rents paid by responsible residents.
He stressed the critical importance of tax payments for sustaining infrastructure, noting, “If you don’t pay, nobody will provide this infrastructure because the only thing the city has is just to collect taxes.”
Wike challenged the perception of Abuja’s wealth, asking rhetorically, “People say Abuja is rich. How rich is it?” He explained that the FCT receives only one percent of the federal government’s monthly revenue, which is insufficient even to cover salaries, let alone infrastructure development.
The minister issued a stern warning to tax defaulters, particularly the wealthy, saying their names would be published as defaulters in newspapers if they failed to comply. Addressing the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, who represented the President, Wike emphasized his determination to “name and shame” anyone who avoids paying ground rent, regardless of their status.
“No poor man can do these houses. No poor man. These houses are being built by rich men. So, you have to pay so we can carry out the job of delivering critical infrastructure,” he said.
Wike also called on President Tinubu to address FCT residents on the importance of tax compliance to enable the administration to deliver more infrastructure for the benefit of all.
The newly commissioned road project, a dual carriageway linking Mabushi to Katampe District and other areas, was executed by the FCT Administration and marks a milestone in opening up the district for further development.
This statement follows a series of enforcement actions by the FCT Administration, including sealing properties over unpaid ground rent, underscoring the government’s renewed crackdown on tax evasion in Abuja.
Wike’s remarks underscore the administration’s commitment to ensuring that no one is exempt from tax responsibilities and that leadership requires courage to make decisions that promote development and accountability.
