_By Adesakin Adefemi
November 24, 2025_
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that the administration’s enforcement drive against defaulters of ground rent and other statutory fees in Abuja will proceed without further extensions.
The ultimatum issued to property owners is ending this week, with no additional grace period, Wike warned.
Wike made the firm stance clear during an inspection tour of ongoing projects handled by Julius Berger and Leventis in Abuja, emphasizing that the city’s aggressive development relies strictly on the FCT’s internal budget. “The earlier notice will lapse this week. We will not grant any more extensions,” he stressed.
Addressing circulating notices, Wike lamented that many Nigerians “do not want to abide by the rules.” He insisted, “We can’t carry out these projects without people paying taxes. We extended by two or three weeks, but it’s been over four months. This is the last time.”
Properties of non-compliant owners risk being sealed, the Minister warned. “It has to be the last time. It’s unfortunate.”
At the N5 corridor, Wike praised Julius Berger’s progress on a years-stalled bridge project, calling it “remarkable.” “We were here years ago, today we’re on top. They assured us N5 will be delivered by January-end,” he said.
The Leventis-built Central Area–Wuse link road is on track for early June completion, Wike noted. “Head works are ongoing… very key, connects Central Area to Wuse.”
Wike clarified that FCT’s construction boom isn’t funded by the national budget “We’re using the 2025 FCT budget. No dime from this year’s federal budget… though we expect it before year-end.”
The Central Area–Wuse road uses emergency FCT funds, he added.
On quiet new bus terminals, Wike cited “procedures”: “Contract, procurement ongoing. Must check fleets… By God’s grace, done by year-end. Due process.”
Wike dismissed perceptions of slow progress: “We’re on track. Work moves as planned. But residents must pay taxes. You can’t enjoy projects without fulfilling obligations.” No more extensions.
Pay up or face consequences. Abuja’s development pushes on with Julius Berger and Leventis “delivering”.
