Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said he takes personal satisfaction in challenging the elite and holding influential figures accountable—particularly when it comes to enforcing the payment of ground rents on properties in Abuja.
Speaking during a media parley in Abuja on Monday, June 2, Wike emphasized that all property owners in the FCT who have defaulted on ground rent payments must settle their debts or face serious consequences.
Highlighting a key shift in approach, the minister criticized previous FCT administrations—including that of current Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed—for allegedly lacking the political will to enforce compliance among powerful individuals.
“Look at what we are doing differently. People used to say the FCT wasn’t working—well, now it is. That’s because I’m doing the things they refused to do,” Wike stated.
He added, “I discovered that many of my predecessors were unwilling to offend powerful people. But I take joy in stepping on the toes of so-called big men—those who believe they are untouchable. I say something will happen, and it makes me happy.”
Wike also accused critics of wanting the government to only target the poor with enforcement actions, a stance he firmly rejected.
“They expect me to go after the common man, believing nothing will happen. But I say, whether rich or poor, if you don’t do the right thing—too bad. I don’t care. That’s why we’re seeing results,” he said.
As part of his crackdown, Wike’s administration published the names of over 9,000 ground rent defaulters in national newspapers, warning of potential property forfeiture.
On May 23, 2025, the FCT Administration began taking possession of approximately 5,000 properties with unpaid ground rents dating back 10 to 43 years. Several properties were sealed, including the national secretariat of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
However, President Bola Tinubu later granted a 14-day grace period for affected property owners to settle their outstanding payments and penalties, temporarily halting further enforcement actions.