As part of renewed efforts to boost infrastructure and urban management in Nigeria’s capital, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning to property owners defaulting on ground rent payments, declaring that the era of non-compliance is over.

Speaking during his monthly media chat in Abuja on Monday, Wike expressed frustration at the failure of many residents and corporate entities to honour their statutory obligations months after a presidential directive ordered payment within two weeks.

“You should know what I’m going to do next,” the minister said pointedly.
“Very soon, we are going to seal up all those properties.”

Ground rent, a critical revenue stream for the FCT Administration, is essential to funding public infrastructure and essential services across Abuja. Wike lamented that despite a clear presidential order in May, many defaulters continue to ignore payment deadlines, jeopardising city development efforts.

“We are now over three months past the deadline. That’s Nigeria for you. But I assure you, we will take action,” he added.

In preparation for Abuja’s upcoming 50th anniversary in February 2026, Wike unveiled the Native Abuja Project, an initiative aimed at revitalizing public infrastructure and beautifying urban spaces across the capital city.

The project includes a special focus on solving long-standing streetlight issues, with the minister announcing a forthcoming Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Chinese construction giants CGC and ECC. The MOU is expected to be signed during President Bola Tinubu’s visit to China in November 2025.

“Contractors will now be required not only to install but also to maintain streetlight infrastructure for 4–5 years at no extra cost to government,” Wike explained.
“This new model will eliminate the cycle of vandalism and abandoned lighting projects.”

To promote youth engagement and reduce idleness, the FCT Administration will also construct three new sports centres ; two within Abuja Municipal Area Council and one in Bwari Area Council. These facilities will serve as platforms for recreation, empowerment, and community development.

Responding to recent criticisms about a lack of stakeholder inclusion in decision-making, Wike noted that his administration has held consultations with representatives from all six FCT area councils. According to him, such engagements have shaped major policy shifts including:

• The establishment of the FCT Service Commission
• The approval for a new federal university in Abuja

“We listen. But we also act,” the minister concluded.