Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCTA), Nyesom Wike, has urged elites and residents of the FCT to pay their taxes and ground rents to allow for adequate funding of projects and infrastructure development in the territory.
The minister stated this Wednesday after an inspection of ongoing projects, including the vice president’s residence under construction by Julius Berger Construction, the Asokoro and Area 1 roundabouts on the Outer Southern Expressway being constructed by CGC Construction, Wuye Bridge under construction by Arab Contractors Limited, and road D6 and B12, also handled by Julius Berger.
Wike said he was optimistic that the various projects would be completed by the end of May 2024 to mark the first year of President Bola Tinubu.
“I think we are quite optimistic that with the speed of work, and taking advantage of the weather, we believe that by May, these projects will be ready. It is very key for us to understand that without payment of taxes, it will be very difficult for us to carry out most of these gigantic projects. If we don’t have the money, there is nothing we can do. Again, like we have always said to elites, they want roads, they want good environment, they want streetlights everywhere, government does not print money. Government needs to tax people and then use that money for the development of the area.
“So, I will always plead with everybody that they should try as much as they can to pay their ground rents. We have published the last set of those owing for 2023. We gave them till 14th of December last year, after which we were going to revoke. But we are human and we believe that the ethics will not be as good as people expect. Well, we have extended it to two weeks after which we will have no choice if you don’t pay, but revoke the title documents,” he said.