Abuja, Nigeria – The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a firm warning to property owners in Abuja who have failed to pay their ground rents, declaring that no amount of political blackmail or public criticism will stop his administration from sealing off defaulting properties.
Speaking during his monthly media briefing in Abuja on Monday, August 4, Wike made it clear that the FCT Administration is fully committed to enforcing payment compliance, even if it means stepping on powerful toes.
“I laugh, and it’s unfortunate. You can blackmail me all you want — I will seal those properties,” the Minister stated emphatically.
The FCT Administration had earlier published the names of over 9,000 debtors in national newspapers, warning them to settle their ground rent obligations or risk losing their properties. Some of these debts reportedly date back between 10 and 43 years.
Seizures Have Already Begun
The crackdown began on May 23, 2025, when the FCTA announced it would begin repossession of approximately 5,000 properties. Among those affected was the national secretariat of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) — Wike’s former party — which was also sealed over non-compliance.
In response to public concern, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had earlier granted a 14-day grace period for defaulters to settle their debts. But according to Wike, many ignored the directive.
“I thank God the President said, ‘Give them two weeks, give them a month.’ Well, it’s been more than three months now. That’s Nigeria for you,” Wike said.
“No More Excuses”
Wike dismissed claims that the FCTA’s actions are politically motivated and insisted that revenue from ground rents is vital for infrastructure and development within the capital.
“You can’t deny the government the taxes we need for development. We’ve issued warnings, we’ve extended grace periods, and some have complied. For those who haven’t — the law will take its course.”
“Tomorrow, when we start sealing more properties, political narratives will emerge, but I won’t be distracted. I’m here to do the job I was appointed to do.”
What Property Owners Should Know:
Ground rent defaulters risk forfeiture and sealing of their properties.
The FCT Administration has made no further extension of deadlines.
Payment can be made directly to FCTA through official channels to avoid legal consequences.
Background:
Ground rent is an annual fee charged by the FCT government for land use. The long-standing non-payment by property owners has contributed to reduced funding for urban infrastructure, leading the current administration to take a harder stance on enforcement.
