By Anifowoshe Oladipupo
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has vowed to seal off properties of individuals and organizations that have failed to pay ground rents, declaring an end to the grace period given to defaulters.
Speaking during his monthly media briefing in Abuja, Wike expressed deep frustration over the widespread non-compliance, months after President Bola Tinubu issued a two-week ultimatum for payment.
He warned that the FCT Administration would no longer tolerate the delay.
“We are at more than three months. Very soon, we are going to seal up all those properties,” he stated.
He stressed that the refusal of property owners to pay their dues was undermining efforts to fund critical infrastructure and basic services in the capital.
“You can’t deny us the taxes we will use for development,” Wike said, adding that prompt payment of ground rent was essential for the progress of the FCT.
Responding to possible political criticism, the minister maintained a firm stance, saying he would not be deterred.
“I will not listen to that. If you have not complied, if you have not paid, we are going to seal it up,” he said.
The announcement is Wike’s latest move to enforce discipline and financial responsibility among property owners in Abuja, as part of broader efforts to strengthen revenue generation and accountability in the territory.
