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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said he derives satisfaction from confronting powerful individuals who evade their civic responsibilities. Wike made this statement during a media parley held in Abuja on Monday, June 2.
Speaking on the ongoing efforts to enforce the payment of ground rent in the FCT, the minister warned that all property owners who have failed to meet their obligations must comply or face consequences. He criticized his predecessors, including current Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, for not having the political will to enforce these payments—particularly from influential individuals with properties in Abuja.
“Look at what we are doing differently. People used to say the FCT wasn’t working. Now it is working, which means I am doing the things previous ministers refused to do,” Wike said.
“I found out that many of them lacked the courage to upset the powerful or step on toes. But I take joy in stepping on the toes of big men—those who believe nothing will happen. I say something will happen. That brings me joy.”
Wike further asserted that some expect the government to only act against the poor, assuming the wealthy and influential will remain untouched. “All they want is for me to go after the poor, thinking nothing will happen to the rich. But I say, if you don’t do the right thing, something will happen. I don’t care whose ox is gored. That’s why we’re getting results.”
As part of its enforcement campaign, the Wike-led FCT administration published the names of over 9,000 ground rent defaulters in national newspapers, urging them to settle their outstanding payments or risk forfeiting their properties.
On May 23, 2025, the administration announced plans to take possession of approximately 5,000 properties with unpaid ground rent spanning between 10 and 43 years. The government subsequently began sealing and reclaiming some of these properties, including the national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
However, President Bola Tinubu later granted a 14-day grace period for defaulters to clear their debts and associated penalties.
