WHY WE’RE AGGRESSIVE ABOUT GROUND RENT PAYMENT — FCT MINISTER NYESOM WIKE EXPLAINS
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended his administration’s firm stance on the payment of ground rent, stating that the revenue is crucial for the development of infrastructure that benefits all Abuja residents.
Speaking on Thursday during the commissioning of the newly completed Collector Road CN2 — Zakari A. Kyari Street — linking Mabushi’s Arterial Road N11 (Ahmadu Bello Way) to Judges’ Quarters in Katampe, Wike stressed that federal allocations alone are insufficient to fund the capital city’s growth.
“If we rely solely on the one percent allocated from the federal government, we won’t be able to pay salaries, let alone execute infrastructure projects,” Wike stated.
“That’s why we are aggressive about ground rent. You can’t enjoy these facilities for free — you must pay.”
Wike applauded the contractors, CGC, for delivering the project ahead of schedule — completing it in under nine months instead of the expected 12.
He also noted the significant rise in property value as a result of the new road, saying:
“Land here is now going for ₦200 to ₦300 million. That’s what development brings.”
The Minister credited President Bola Tinubu for his consistent support, which he said has been pivotal to the rapid infrastructural achievements in the FCT.
“This has nothing to do with politics. Development has no party. What matters is delivering value to the people,” Wike added.
