Wike: I enjoy stepping on toes of the rich in FCT development drive

During Monday media chat, minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has revealed his unapologetic approach to governance in the city, emphasising his commitment to accountability and development — even if it means challenging powerful interests.

Wike proudly differentiated his administration from predecessors by highlighting his willingness to “step on the toes of big men” to achieve results.”

He described the current administration in which he leads as having the courage to “annoy people” and “step on toes” in the pursuit of good governance. He stated, “People had said that FCT was not working and now FCT is working. I’m doing things that they refused to do. I have found out that most of them didn’t have the courage to annoy people, to step on toes.”

The Minister further elaborated on his approach, expressing satisfaction in holding powerful individuals accountable. “I take joy when I step on the toes of big men. Those who say that nothing will happen, I take joy in saying that something will happen. All you want me to do is to take decisions against the poor people, but you the rich man, nothing will happen. Something will happen and that’s why we are getting results. If you don’t do the right thing, too bad. I don’t care. The only person I owe an explanation to is Mr. President.”

The minister tressed that his decisions are driven solely by a commitment to good governance and national progress, rather than any regional or religious affiliations. “I’m not doing it because I’m from a certain place or I belong to a certain religion. I’m doing it because I have to support the government, I have to make a difference,” he said.

He announced that President Bola Tinubu will be commissioning a series of projects executed under his administration, starting June 10. The commissioning will span 19 days, featuring the President himself or his representatives like the Vice President, Senate President, and Speaker at various events. He said the commissioning kicks off with the remodel International Conference Centre, followed by impactful project unveilings. Wike also mentioned plans to flag off additional projects in preparation of the President’s third year in office.

Addressing concerns about financial management, Wike stressed that all funds allocated to the FCT are deposited in commercial banks, not the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). This allows the FCT to borrow from commercial banks, tying borrowing strictly to Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). He credited President Tinubu’s policies for preventing financial chaos, noting that the removal of the FCT administration from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) was a blessing.

On accountability mechanisms, Wike explained that project approvals follow strict thresholds, and he personally conducts on-the-spot inspections to verify contractors’ claims regarding quality and delivery. He acknowledged that some projects were awarded before his tenure but insisted on rigorous oversight.

Speaking on his tough stance on ground rent and Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) Collection, he said he will did not shy away from confronting wealthy defaulters in ground rent payments. Citing the example of Bode George, a prominent political figure owing ground rent, Wike revealed that in just three days, he signed 1,500 Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) and expects all beneficiaries to pay their dues annually without excuses.

Wike, also intensified his defense of the FCTA’s controversial ground rent crackdown, publicly naming former PDP Deputy National Chairman, Bode George, as debtor number 3,092 for owing ground rent on a property in Abuja for over ten years. Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja, Wike reiterated that no one, including senior political figures, is exempt from paying ground rent, underscoring his administration’s commitment to enforcing the law regardless of status.

Wike said, “Bode George is number 3,092. That land was published—non-payment for up to ten years. At that level, senior citizen. At that level.” He condemned the excuses of defaulters who claim ignorance for shift responsibility, stating, “You are a tenant, you paid for two years, your tenancy will expire tomorrow. Then you come to tell the landlord he did not remind you? That is not the case here.” He emphasised that many defaulters live in upscale areas like Maitama, Wuse, and Asokoro, areas inhabited by elites who often own properties overseas but neglect their local obligations. “If you don’t do the right thing, too bad. I don’t care,” Wike asserted.

Addressing the historical context, Wike noted that previous FCT ministers, including Nasir El-Rufai and Bala Mohammed, tried but couldn’t enforce ground rent payments on politically connected property owners. He recalled, “Look at the PDP Secretariat in 2005, Vincent Ogbulafor as national secretary wrote when they bought that property, El-Rufai was the Minister of FCT under Obasanjo’s government. The memos are there; El-Rufai said no, the mere fact that we are government cannot stop you from paying tax. And he said they should pay N26 million for the assignment. They bought this property from one Senator in Kaduna. We were in government; PDP was in government in 2005. El-Rufai said, ‘No, pay the money. I will talk to Mr President.’ Nothing happened.” He added that even during Bala Mohammed’s tenure as FCT Minister from 2010 to 2015, no effort was made to ratify or enforce payments. “Up till now that consent has not been given. We are now talking about ground rent from 2005 to 2025—20 years,” Wike lamented.

Wike also responded sharply to Bode George’s criticism of the sealing of the PDP National Secretariat over a ₦7 million ground rent debt. George had accused Wike, a fellow PDP member, of betraying the party and suggested he should have personally paid the debt to preserve party unity.

Wike retorted, “If an old man has no job, Bode George should sit in his house and read newspapers. Bode George said PDP made me by giving me a national name—I agree. But the party can’t make you; you are the one who will make the party win elections.” He challenged George’s record in Lagos State, saying, “Ask Bode George, who did PDP make popular in Lagos since 1999? Not anyone. Meanwhile, I have laboured, campaigned, and won for the party to be the major party in the state and at the national level. While in your state, the party has been crying daily. Even when Jonathan was in power, we knew what we did to make PDP take over Lagos, but it didn’t work.”

On the sealing of the PDP secretariat, Wike explained that the FCTA had given ample notice to defaulters, publishing names from March through June and granting a 14-day grace period after President Bola Tinubu’s intervention. He dismissed claims that due process was not followed, stating, “I don’t require any court order. First of all, we have given you notice. The caucus of the leadership of PDP, led by Senator Abba Moro, came to see me. I brought the documents and internal memos. They confessed it was their fault. They should even thank me.”

Wike concluded by emphasizing the need for accountability and the rule of law in Abuja’s property administration, warning that the government will not tolerate continued non-payment. “Look at what we are doing differently. People say FCT was not working; now it is working, which means I’m doing things they refused to do. If you don’t pay your taxes, government will take over your property. This is the attitude that has kept us where we are,” he said.

On efforts to improve mass transportation and bolster security, he announced the provision of bus terminals in Mabushi, Kugbo, and the Central Business District. These terminals, he said, will be inaugurated by President Tinubu this month, with budgetary provisions for buses to be run by profiled and registered private operators, supervised by the FCT Transport Secretariat.

Speaking about the Abuja Master Plan, the Minister lamented that the government’s efforts to protect the Master Plan are often politicized along ethnic and religious lines. He cited the case of the Kpaduma community in Asokoro, where road infrastructure development was obstructed despite compensation payments, asserting that structures along road corridors will be removed to implement the Master Plan.

Regarding the striking primary school teachers, Wike confirmed that a committee has made actionable recommendations that would be implemented to address the non-payment of the new minimum wage. He also noted that past measures included providing funds to alleviate the situation.

 On the inclusivity of the indigenous people of the FCT, the Minister highlighted President Tinubu’s commitment to the FCT’s original inhabitants, who now have unprecedented representation with two Mandate Secretaries, and an FCT Head of Service from the indigenous community. He added that at least two FCT indigenes are now Permanent Secretaries, fostering inclusivity in governance.

 Addressing Water Supply Challenges, the Minister stated that agreements have been reached with Chinese Overseas construction giant, CGC for the supply of water to satellite towns. He urged residents to pay their taxes to enable the provision of basic infrastructure, emphasizing that the FCT is not an oil city and receives only one percent of federal government revenue. He also advocated for a special intervention fund for FCT development.

  Wike, while also addressing other development concerns, stated that 85% of the FCT’s 2025 capital budget is dedicated to completing ongoing projects, with 15% earmarked for new projects, dependent on aggressive revenue generation.

 On whether the FCTA will also focus attention on other sectors of the economy like housing, outside of road construction, the FCT Minister stressed the foundational role of road infrastructure in development. He explained that the FCTA is aggressively providing road networks across the city center and satellite towns to ensure even development and enhance food security by ensuring access to farmlands.