Wike Slams Elites Over Refusal to Pay Ground Rent in Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has condemned Nigerian elites for their continued refusal to pay ground rent on properties located in some of Abuja’s most affluent areas.
Speaking during his monthly press briefing held on Monday, May 26, 2025, in Abuja, Wike expressed frustration over the trend, pointing out that wealthy property owners in areas like Maitama, Wuse 2, Guzape, Asokoro, and the Central Business District have ignored their legal obligation to pay ground rent—some for as long as 43 years.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) had earlier announced it had revoked 4,794 properties due to non-payment of ground rent spanning from 10 to 43 years, as part of its enforcement drive to boost compliance and generate revenue.
Wike criticized the hypocrisy of these elites who, according to him, willingly pay taxes on their foreign properties while refusing to fulfill similar obligations within Nigeria.
“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 said.
He dismissed suggestions that financial incapacity might be to blame, asserting that the affected locations are exclusively inhabited by the wealthy.
“Poor people do not reside in Maitama, Wuse 2, Guzape, Asokoro, or the Central Business District,” Wike noted.
“Nobody pays 400,000 a year as ground rent. 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 also highlighted the FCTA’s current infrastructure push, noting that the administration had organized 19 days of project commissioning, after which new projects would be launched.
The minister’s remarks signal a tougher stance on property-related revenue enforcement and may prompt a broader crackdown on defaulters in the coming months.
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