The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has taken a swipe at wealthy residents of Abuja for evading their tax responsibilities at home while willingly fulfilling similar obligations abroad.
Speaking during the inauguration of the newly completed Collector Road CN2 in Abuja on Thursday, Wike expressed dismay at the trend, stating, “Big men living in the FCT do not like paying taxes. Yet, they voluntarily pay taxes and ground rent in foreign countries like London and the US.”
He emphasised that such attitudes hinder infrastructural development in the capital city, warning that critical projects like the newly commissioned road rely heavily on internally generated revenue, especially taxes and ground rents from property owners.
“Let me be clear: if you don’t pay, nobody will provide this infrastructure. The only thing the city has is just to collect taxes,” Wike asserted.
He noted that the FCT receives a meagre 1% from the national Federation Account — approximately ₦8 billion — which is barely enough to cover staff salaries, not to mention capital projects. As a result, the administration depends largely on responsible citizens’ compliance with tax obligations.
The Minister urged President Bola Tinubu to support enforcement measures that would compel FCT residents to meet their financial duties. He announced plans to publicly name defaulters in newspapers in an effort to boost compliance, clarifying that the intent was not to embarrass anyone but to raise necessary funds.
“If you know you have land here and you have not paid, I will publish your name,” Wike warned.
He specifically called out affluent property developers in upscale areas such as Katampe and Mabushi. “No poor man can do these houses. These houses are being built by rich men. So, you have to pay so we can carry out the job of delivering critical infrastructure.”
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Wike also highlighted that the newly inaugurated CN2 road was a direct result of contributions from compliant residents, further underscoring the importance of equitable civic responsibility.
The ceremony was attended by top government officials, including the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who represented President Tinubu.
The minister’s remarks reflect his growing frustration with the resistance of Abuja elites to local taxation, a topic he has addressed on multiple occasions since assuming office.
Observers believe this latest move could mark the beginning of a more aggressive campaign by the FCT Administration to boost internal revenue generation and reduce dependence on federal allocations.
As Wike concluded his address, he reiterated that sustainable development would remain impossible unless every stakeholder — especially those who benefit most from the system — played their part.
“We need people to pay their taxes so that we can carry out development in the interest of our people,” he said.
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