The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, issued a strong warning to defaulters of ground rent payment in the FCT, emphasizing that action will be taken.
Wike delivered this warning during a meeting with the leadership of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), led by its President, Dr. Chris Isiguzo, in Abuja.
The minister clarifies that the ground rent directive is not an empty threat, stating that “something will surely happen” in response to non-compliance.
In September, the FCT Administration published the names of individuals, organizations, and agencies that owe ground rent in the FCT. This publication serves as a reminder to allottees of their obligations as stated in the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) to pay in advance without demand from January 1 of each year.
The FCT Administration has warned that failure to comply with the terms of the Rights of Occupancy may result in the revocation of the title.
Allottees, property owners, and beneficiaries of the sale of Federal Government houses in the FCT are urged to settle their outstanding ground rents promptly or risk losing their titles.
Wike reassured defaulters that he would take action, revoking plots of land at the end of the grace period.
“The law has always been there. The only challenge is its implementation. The Minister of State and I possess the capacity and political will to do what is right,” Wike explains.
“Nigerians often assume that nothing will happen. But something will indeed happen. We cannot continue in this manner,” he adds.
“Defaulters have been given a final notice to pay, and they dismiss it as mere talk. Something will happen. If you fail to pay after the final notice, the law will be applied,” Wike asserts.
Wike further highlights that the FCTA has successfully saved a significant amount of Internally Generated Revenue since its removal from the Treasury Single Account. He declares an end to the era of abandoned projects in the FCT.
He states that the harsh decisions taken by the FCTA are necessary for the overall well-being of the city, even if they step on toes in the process. Wike promises continued support to the media as vital partners in the development of the FCT.
