By Remi Johnson
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),Dr Nyesom Wike, has declared tax evasion and failure to pay ground rents as the most pressing challenge facing his administration.
Wike stated this during an inspection tour of some projects lined up fro commissioning in Abuja by June this year.
Wike bemoaned the persistent reluctance of property owners, especially members of the elite, to fulfill their financial obligations to the government.
He lamented that while many Nigerians comply with tax laws abroad, the same cannot be said for their conduct at home.
“If you pay your taxes, you will see that it will be a different thing. And that’s what we are trying to do. So this is one of the heavy challenges that we are facing and we will surmount it. Be assured that we are going to surmount it.
“It is unfortunate that most elites own houses overseas and comply with tax regulations there. But when it comes to Nigeria, they refuse to pay, believing they will not be sanctioned. That has to change,” Wike said.
The Minister pointed out that Abuja does not enjoy revenue from oil and depends mainly on tax collection to fund projects.
He revealed that despite signing over 1,500 Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-Os), many beneficiaries have failed to remit required payments, a situation he described as “unacceptable.”
“Let nobody think that blackmail or whatever will stop us. We will do the right thing. If you have not paid, we will take.”
Speaking on the Projects Set for Commissioning to Mark President Tinubu’ sTwo Year in office, Wike lauds the progress made in infrastructure development.
Top among the inspected projects is the International Conference Centre (ICC), which Wike said is ready and meets world-class standards.
“You can see for yourself the quality of the job. Julius Berger has fulfilled their promise. It is like writing an exam and coming out with flying colours,” Wike proudly remarked.
Other inspected sites include the N5 Road in Life Camp, which is 95% completed and expected to be delivered within days. Also completed are major routes in Gishiri, linking to Judges’ Quarters and extending to Jahi, with additional links through Wole Soyinka Road, currently being handled by Gilmore.
“From the interchange to these major arteries, the work is superb. The residents are happy, and so am I. The President promised road infrastructure, and this is what we are seeing,” Wike stated.
The Minister however noted that the ICC which was initially slated to be the first commissioned project has been shifted and changed foe Gishiri due to the absence of key National Assembly committee members in Saudi Arabia for Haji, that wish to attend the ICC comissioning.
“We all agreed to shift the ICC commissioning so the lawmakers can participate. But there are many projects lined up, and we will keep inspecting to ensure they are fully ready,” he added.
Dr. Wike further hinted at a possible increase in ground rent in the near future.