Wike Declares War on Abuja Land Rent Defaulters: “I Enjoy Stepping on Big Men’s Toes”
In a bold and fiery statement that’s already making waves across Nigeria, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has made it clear that no one—no matter how powerful or connected—is above the law when it comes to paying ground rent in Abuja. Speaking during a press parley held in Abuja on Monday, June 2, 2025, the former Rivers State governor didn't hold back as he laid out his firm stance on enforcing property regulations in the capital city.
Wike, well known for his controversial but results-driven leadership style, said he takes pleasure in “stepping on the toes of big men,” especially those who believe they are untouchable. His mission, he explained, is to sanitize the system in the FCT and ensure that all property owners, regardless of social or political status, comply with the law by paying their ground rents.
“I Take Joy in Stepping on Big Men’s Toes”
In his characteristic blunt manner, Wike explained that many past Ministers of the FCT lacked the boldness and political will to confront influential property owners in Abuja. He pointed out that some of these so-called big men have not paid ground rent for decades, yet continued to enjoy full rights over their properties in the city.
“Look at what we are doing differently. People have said that FCT was not working (but) now it is working, which means I’m doing things that they [past FCT ministers] refused to do.”
According to Wike, what sets his administration apart is his refusal to be intimidated by the political elite or powerful figures in society. He sees confrontation, particularly with those who believe they can bend the rules, as a necessary step to reform Abuja’s real estate and urban planning systems.
“I found out that most of them didn’t have the courage to annoy people, to step on toes but I take joy when I step on the toes of big men; those who say nothing will happen, but I say something will happen. It makes me happy.”
Wike further emphasized that the previous approach of targeting only the poor while allowing the rich to go unpunished was both unjust and ineffective.
“All they want me to do is to make decisions against poor people, saying nothing will happen to them, but I say something will happen. That is why we are making results. If you don’t do the right thing, too bad. I don’t care.”
9,000 Property Owners Named, 5,000 Properties at Risk
This latest warning didn’t come out of nowhere. In fact, it is part of a wider ongoing effort by the Wike-led FCT administration to recover billions of naira in unpaid ground rents from property owners across Abuja.
In an unprecedented move earlier this year, the FCT Administration published the names of over 9,000 debtors in several national newspapers, giving them a stern warning: pay your dues or lose your property.
These properties, many of which are owned by top politicians, retired public officials, and influential business people, have been accumulating unpaid ground rents for between 10 and 43 years. According to the FCTA, this negligence has deprived the city of critical funds needed for development projects such as roads, schools, healthcare, housing, and sanitation.
On May 23, 2025, the administration took a firmer step by announcing that it would begin taking possession of approximately 5,000 properties whose owners had failed to pay the required dues despite repeated warnings. This led to the sealing off of several properties, including some high-profile buildings like the People's Democratic Party (PDP) national secretariat.
Tinubu’s Intervention: 14-Day Grace Period
The aggressive crackdown caught the attention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who intervened by offering a 14-day grace period to all defaulters. This was seen by many as a last chance for property owners to clear their debts, avoid penalties, and reclaim their properties.
The President’s directive, while offering temporary relief to the debtors, did not roll back Wike’s policy. Instead, it gave the affected parties a limited window to act before the FCT Administration resumes its enforcement actions.
The Tinubu administration appears to support Wike’s tough approach but also wants to give room for compliance and dialogue before assets are permanently seized.
Why Ground Rent Matters: Understanding the Policy
For those unfamiliar with it, ground rent is a statutory payment made annually by landowners to the government as part of their land use obligations. In Abuja, which is governed by the Land Use Act, all land is technically owned by the federal government and is leased to individuals or entities on certain terms.
Failure to pay ground rent can result in revocation of the land title, sealing of the property, or in extreme cases, forfeiture. According to legal experts, this policy helps maintain order in urban planning and generates revenue for infrastructural development.
Unfortunately, many property owners have ignored these obligations for years—some out of ignorance, others out of arrogance—believing that their political influence will shield them from enforcement.
Wike is determined to put an end to this culture of impunity.
Wike’s Message to Abuja Residents: “Pay Your Dues or Face the Music”
With his latest statements, Wike has drawn a clear line in the sand. Property owners in Abuja are no longer being asked nicely—they are being ordered to comply with the law or risk losing what they own.
In fact, Wike’s words were not just directed at the elites; he was also sending a strong signal to the general public. Everyone, regardless of status, must obey the rules.
The fact that over 9,000 people were named in the debt publication shows how widespread the issue has become. Some of the properties in question are residential buildings, while others are commercial complexes, hotels, and political party offices.
Wike’s decision to publish the names of defaulters was not just a tactical move to embarrass them—it was also a way to promote transparency, ensure accountability, and recover funds for public use.
Conclusion: A New Era of Accountability in the FCT
Minister Nyesom Wike has made it abundantly clear: there will be no sacred cows in his administration. Whether you're a high-ranking official, a business mogul, or a party chieftain, you must pay your ground rent or be ready to lose your property.
This marks a new era of transparency, accountability, and urban discipline in Abuja. While critics may argue that his methods are harsh or politically motivated, there is no denying that his approach is delivering results.
“If you don’t do the right thing, too bad. I don’t care,” Wike declared.
His words are a stark warning—and a powerful promise—that the rules of engagement in Abuja have changed for good.
