Abuja Landowners Owe ₦300bn – Wike
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revealed that property owners in Abuja owe over ₦300 billion in unpaid Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) fees.
Speaking during a media parley at his official residence in Life Camp, Abuja, on Sunday night, Wike highlighted the significant strides made by his administration in revenue generation.
He disclosed that the FCT’s monthly revenue had risen from about ₦9 billion in August 2023 to an average of ₦25 billion, with December 2024 alone recording an impressive ₦40 billion.
The minister attributed the revenue growth to improved collection of ground rents and payments for C of O by land allottees.
He emphasized the need for consistent tax compliance to sustain infrastructure development in the FCT.
“We don’t get up to ₦13bn from VAT and the 1% from the Federal Government. So, we have to augment the internally generated revenue to be able to pay salaries because of the new wages,” Wike said.
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“At the time I came, we were generating about ₦9bn to ₦10bn. Today, by the grace of God, we are not generating less than ₦25bn a month. In fact, last month, we generated about ₦40bn.
“It is because of our aggressive revenue drive. In fact, last month, we were able to generate about 40 something billion naira. Aggressive revenue drive to be able to carry out infrastructure,” he added.
“It must be from taxes and when taxes are not paid how do we get development?” he asked.
“In your conscience, can you say that the FCT is justifying the revenue or the taxes you are paying? Yes, it is correct. We can beat our taxes to say we are doing that but it is not enough,” he said.
It was reported that Wike revoked the land allocations of 568 defaulters, including some governors, over unpaid C of O fees.
According to his media aide, Lere Olayinka, the revocation followed the expiration of a two-week grace period initially extended to 762 defaulters.
Olayinka explained, “It should be recalled that in early October 2024, a total of 3,273 were offered two weeks to pay their bills or lose their R of O titles, out of which 2,511 complied, leaving 762.
“The 762 allottees were further allowed another grace of two weeks to pay, but as at January 15, this year, 12 days after the expiration of the weeks, only 194 paid, leaving 568.”
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
