The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has blamed Abuja’s affluent residents, commonly referred to as “big men” for poor tax and ground rent compliance, which he described as a major hindrance to infrastructural development in the capital city.
Wike made the remarks on Thursday during the inauguration of the newly completed Collector Road CN2 (Zakari A. Kyari Street), linking Arterial Road N11 (Ahmadu Bello Way) in Mabushi to Judges Quarters in Katampe District.
The project is part of a broader infrastructure rollout by the FCT Administration, inaugurated to mark President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second anniversary in office.
Speaking at the event attended by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, who represented the president, Wike said the road was funded through taxes and ground rents paid by responsible residents.
He lamented that wealthy individuals living in elite districts like Katampe and Mabushi were the worst offenders in failing to pay their dues.
“The big men living in Abuja do not like paying taxes,” Wike stated.
“Yet these same individuals pay taxes and ground rent voluntarily in London and the United States. But when it comes to Abuja, they refuse.”
Wike clarified that the FCT’s monthly allocation from the federation account is only one percent of the federal government’s share, which he said is insufficient to fund salaries, let alone execute infrastructure projects.
“Assuming the federal government receives N800 billion monthly, one percent is N8 billion. Our monthly salary burden is over N13 billion due to the new minimum wage,” he explained.
“So, we must rely on internally generated revenue, particularly ground rent and taxes, to build roads and other infrastructure.”
He further emphasized that tax compliance is non-negotiable and not subject to political affiliation.
The FCT minister warned that names of individuals owing ground rent would be published in national newspapers if they fail to settle their debts.
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“If you know you have land here and haven’t paid, I will publish your name. This is not about embarrassment, it’s about funding public infrastructure,” Wike said.
He pointedly added that no poor person is building houses in Katampe or Mabushi, saying those who can afford to build luxury homes should also be able to pay their dues to the government.
The newly inaugurated CN2 road project was executed by Chinese construction firm CGC and initially flagged off in October 2024.
According to the acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Mr. Richard Dauda, the road is a dual carriageway, while adjoining roads are single-lane, aimed at easing traffic flow and opening up the Katampe District for urban development.
