The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has issued a final warning to property owners, declaring that the administration will not grant any further extension for the payment of ground rents.
The Minister stated that defaulters now face the serious risk of losing their assets to the government.
Wike delivered the stern message in Abuja on Monday, the 24th of November, following an inspection of critical infrastructure projects in the Wuse and Lifecamp areas, according to a statement signed by Rabi Musa Umar, Assistant Director Press at the Office of the Minister.
The Minister noted that all previously granted grace periods, including a two-to-three-week intervention authorised by the Presidency, expired months ago. He expressed frustration with the non-compliance of many residents: “It’s unfortunate that most Nigerians who complain don’t want to abide by the rules,” he said in the statement issued by his office. “We had a presidential intervention to give more time, but it’s more than four months now. We cannot carry out projects without people paying their taxes.”
Wike stressed that notices regarding the extended deadlines had been published, but many property owners waited for enforcement before taking action. He made it unequivocal that this is the final opportunity for those with outstanding ground rents.
“We are not going to extend any further,” he said.
The Minister detailed the severe consequences of continued default, explaining that enforcement would involve sealing properties belonging to debtors, which would then revert to the FCT Administration.
“If you have not paid, we will seal the premises and the property then becomes the property of the FCT Administration,” he said.
READ ALSO: Massive Crackdown: FCTA Targets Ground Rent Defaulters
During the inspection tour, Minister Wike also reviewed the progress of key road projects: the Transit Way N2, which connects the Central Business District to Wuse, and the Arterial Road N5, running from Life Camp Junction to Karmo.
He commended the progress and quality of work being delivered by the contractors, Levante Construction Ltd and Julius Berger.
Wike provided specific completion timelines: the N2 road is expected to be finished by the end of May or early June 2026, while the N5 project is scheduled for handover by the end of January 2026. He described the work done thus far as impressive. He confirmed that the N2 project is being funded under emergency provisions, while the N5 arterial road has secured adequate funding in the FCT’s 2025 budget.
Finally, the Minister addressed the newly commissioned bus terminals, confirming that the procurement process to select operators is ongoing and is expected to be concluded before the end of the year.