The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, issued a fierce warning to residents and organizations in Abuja who have failed to pay their ground rent.
Speaking during his monthly media briefing on Monday, Wike made it clear that the FCT Administration will begin sealing off properties that are in arrears, regardless of any attempts to blackmail or pressure his office.
Wike’s tone was unyielding. “I’m going to seal up all those properties.
You can’t deny us the taxes we use for development,” he declared emphatically.
His declaration underscored the administration’s frustration with long-standing defaulters who continue to ignore payment notices despite repeated warnings.
A Debt Crisis Years in the Making
The tension between the FCT Administration and property owners over unpaid ground rent is not new.
The government revealed in May 2025 that approximately 9,000 individuals and entities owed ground rent for periods ranging from 10 to 43 years.
This massive backlog led to the public naming of these debtors and the announcement of plans to repossess about 5,000 affected properties.
Property seizures began visibly with the sealing of notable buildings, including the PDP national secretariat in Abuja.
This marked a bold step in enforcing compliance, as authorities began physically taking control over defaulting properties.
President Bola Tinubu had previously granted a 14-day grace period in an attempt to resolve the issue amicably.
However, Wike revealed that despite this reprieve, more than three months have passed with many defaulters still refusing to comply.
“It’s more than three months.
That is Nigeria for you,” Wike lamented, exposing the deep-rooted challenges in governance and citizen compliance.
No Room for Politics or Blackmail
Wike preempted anticipated backlash and politicization of the enforcement actions.
“Tomorrow, by the time you start doing this, of course, the normal politics will come out.
All kinds of things that we say.
I will not listen to that,” he asserted.
He made it clear that the government’s resolve is firm and payments must be made if property owners want to keep their assets unfettered.
This uncompromising stance critiques the reluctance of some citizens and organizations to meet their civic financial responsibilities.
It also calls out the political posturing that often surrounds such enforcement actions.
Indicating that Wike is prepared to withstand any blackmail or criticism that may arise.
A Controversy with Diplomatic and Legal Dimensions
Wike’s warning has stirred further controversy.
Legal experts and critics have pointed out that the aggressive approach risks diplomatic friction.
Especially concerning foreign missions in Abuja that reportedly owe ground rent.
The government’s move to publish the names of defaulters and threaten property seizures reflects heightened pressure but risks violating international diplomatic protocols.
A June 2025 critique highlighted that the direct engagement by the FCT on this matter overlooks necessary diplomatic channels and might contravene the Vienna Conventions on diplomatic relations.
Embassies enjoy certain immunities, and threatening their closure or property seizure could backfire diplomatically on Nigeria’s foreign relations.
Furthermore, detractors argue the entire ground rent enforcement could be viewed as symptomatic of the broader governance malaise.
Characterized by inefficiency and a failure to create a more constructive citizenship culture where obligations are met without coercion.
Why Ground Rent Matters
Ground rent, a payment for the right to occupy land owned by the government, is a critical revenue source that funds developmental projects and municipal services in the FCT.
The failure of many property owners to meet this obligation undermines the government’s ability to maintain infrastructure and public services.
Wike’s insistence on sealing properties is presented as a necessary measure to shore up these revenues and restore accountability.
“You can’t deny us the taxes we use for development,” he said.
Emphasizing that government revenue depends on compliance from property owners across the board.
The Human and Political Impact
The aggressive enforcement policy raises several questions.
What happens to families and businesses displaced or inconvenienced by sudden property closures?
How effectively can the government balance revenue collection with humane treatment and legal due process?
Wike’s blunt dismissal of political dissent implies a zero-tolerance policy, potentially alienating investors and homeowners alike.
Critics argue that a more diplomatic and phased approach might yield better compliance and cooperation without the risk of social unrest.
Moreover, the sealing of high-profile properties like the PDP national secretariat introduces a political dimension that risks the perception of selective targeting.
This could deepen political divides and intensify opposition from political parties and interest groups.
FCTA’s Enforcement Strategy Moving Forward
As the grace period granted by President Tinubu elapsed long ago, the ministry is moving forward with its enforcement plan.
Officials have been instructed to seal all outstanding properties, and Wike made it clear that no further talk or negotiations would deter this course.
Wike warned, “If you have not complied, if you have not paid, we are going to seal it.
There’s no magic of talking more, talking this.
You can blackmail me all you want.”
This statement symbolizes the government’s firm stance against defaulters and any attempts to undermine its authority.
The FCT government’s crackdown on ground rent defaulters under Nyesom Wike’s leadership draws a contentious line between fiscal responsibility and governance heavy-handedness.
While the collection of overdue ground rent is vital for Abuja’s development, the approach raises questions about due process, diplomatic respect, and the potential politicization of enforcement.
Wike’s administration has chosen confrontation over conciliation.
Making clear that properties will be sealed regardless of complaints or threats.
Whether this will lead to improved compliance or escalate tensions remains to be seen.
But it has undoubtedly exposed fault lines in Nigeria’s governance and property administration.
