By Dr. Nafisat Makinde
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has warned residents that there will be no further extension for ground rent payments, stressing that defaulters risk losing their properties to the FCT Administration.
The minister issued the warning on Monday, November 24, 2025, after inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects in Wuse and Life Camp. He said previous grace periods, including a two-week extension and a presidential intervention, expired four months ago. “It’s unfortunate that most Nigerians who complain don’t want to abide by the rules. We cannot carry out projects without people paying their taxes,” Wike said.
He added that all notices extending deadlines have been publicized and emphasized that enforcement will now be strict. “If you have not paid, we will seal up the premises, and the property then becomes the property of the FCT Administration,” the minister warned.
During the site inspections, Wike reviewed the progress of the Transit Way N2, linking the Central Business District to Wuse, and the Arterial Road N5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way) from Life Camp Junction to Karmo. He expressed satisfaction with the quality of work and the contractors’ assurances of timely completion.
“The contractor handling N2, Levante Construction Ltd, has assured us that the road will be completed by the first week of June 2026. Julius Berger, working on Arterial Road N5, has promised to hand over the project by the end of January next year. We are very happy with the progress,” he said.
Wike noted that the Transit Way N2 is being executed through emergency funding, while the Arterial Road N5 will be covered under the FCT’s 2025 budget. On the fully commissioned bus terminals, he said the selection of operators is ongoing, with the process expected to conclude by year-end.
The minister concluded by urging residents to comply with ground rent regulations, highlighting that enforcement is necessary for the continued execution of key development projects in the FCT.
