Wike says Abuja’s rich residents are the biggest problem in tax compliance, stressing the need for payment to fund infrastructure and salaries in FCT
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticised wealthy residents of Abuja for being the biggest obstacle to voluntary tax compliance, which he said is essential for development in the capital.
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Speaking on Thursday during the commissioning of the newly constructed Zakari A. Kyari Street (Collector Road CN2), Wike said that affluent individuals in the FCT routinely evade ground rent and taxes.
The road, which connects Arterial Road N11 in Mabushi to Katampe District—including Judges’ Quarters and adjoining routes—was inaugurated by President Bola Tinubu as part of activities marking his second year in office.
Wike noted that while the same individuals willingly pay taxes and ground rents abroad, they resist doing the same in Nigeria.
“This road was built from the taxes and ground rent paid by responsible residents,” he said.
“Some people complained when we sealed their houses for non-payment. But look at the value—it’s visible here. No one will provide infrastructure for free.”
The minister questioned the misconception that Abuja is wealthy, explaining that the city receives just one percent of the Federal Government’s monthly allocation.
No poor man can build the kind of houses we see in Katampe and Mabushi. These are rich men’s properties. So they must pay for us to continue working.
Using a recent figure of ₦800 billion as an example, he explained that Abuja only receives ₦8 billion—an amount that falls short of the ₦13 billion monthly wage bill under the new minimum wage structure.
He warned that without aggressive revenue collection, infrastructure development in the capital would stall.
“You cannot enjoy infrastructure and refuse to pay taxes. It’s not about party affiliation,” he added.
Calling on President Tinubu—represented at the event by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu—to urge residents to meet their financial obligations, Wike said the FCT Administration would not hesitate to publish the names of defaulters.
“No poor man can build the kind of houses we see in Katampe and Mabushi. These are rich men’s properties. So they must pay for us to continue working,” Wike declared.
Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority, Mr Richard Dauda, said the road—executed by CGC—was flagged off in October 2024.
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The dual-carriage CN2 road and adjoining single-lane roads are expected to enhance access and open Katampe District to more development.
