Wike Vows Tax Reforms in FCT, Promises Action on Ground Rent Arrears

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to boosting internally generated revenue through taxation, stressing that the FCT, unlike oil-producing states, depends solely on taxes to fund development. Wike highlighted the backlog of unpaid ground rents, some stretching back 20 to 30 years, and noted that although the current administration has not yet raised ground rent rates, a review is on the horizon. “The President has granted a two-week waiver,” Wike disclosed, emphasizing that no amount of blackmail or intimidation will derail the government’s resolve to enforce what is necessary. He encouraged residents to pay their taxes, assuring them that doing so will lead to visible improvements across the territory. “That is what we are striving to achieve,” he added