FCTA to Seize Properties of Ground Rent Defaulters, Wike Warns

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Monday issued a final warning to property owners indebted to the administration over unpaid ground rents, saying defaulters stand the risk of losing their assets.

Wike, who spoke with journalists after inspecting the ongoing construction of the six-lane Life Camp–Ring Road 3 corridor near Karmo, said the grace period earlier granted has elapsed and no further extensions would be considered.

The project, handled by Julius Berger, is expected to be completed in January 2026.

The minister decried the refusal of many Abuja property owners to comply with statutory obligations, despite repeated notices and even a presidential intervention that added several weeks to the payment window.

“It’s unfortunate that most Nigerians who complain about government do not want to obey basic rules,” Wike said. “When we began enforcement, Mr President intervened to give them two or three weeks more. Today, it is more than four months.”

He stressed that tax compliance is essential for sustaining the administration’s infrastructure drive.

“We cannot carry out these projects without people paying their taxes. We have made publications extending the deadline, but people like to rush. If you don’t enforce, nobody will go and pay,” he said.

Wike maintained that the FCTA would no longer shift ground.

“We believe this is the last time. We are not extending any further. If you have not paid, the property becomes that of the FCT Administration. The proper thing needs to be done.”