The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has pledged to aggressively pursue revenue collection through taxes and ground rent payments to fund impactful projects in Abuja. This comes on the heels of a record N262 billion in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for 2024.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Director of Press, Anthony Ogunleye, the minister emphasized that the FCT Administration would intensify efforts to collect revenue within the limits of the law.
The FCT Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) had earlier announced that it collected N262 billion in IGR for 2024—surpassing its N250 billion target by N12 billion. The acting Executive Chairman of FCT-IRS, Mr. Michael Ango, disclosed this during the service’s annual sensitization campaign, aimed at encouraging voluntary tax compliance among residents.
Aggressive revenue drive
Speaking during a tour of ongoing infrastructure projects on Friday, Wike vowed to take a more aggressive approach to tax and ground rent collection, stressing that it was essential for funding the FCT’s development agenda.
“We are going to be very aggressive in our revenue drive to achieve more projects,” Wike said. “When people complain about the revocation of Certificates of Occupancy (C of Os), they must understand that tax payments are the lifeblood of impactful projects. Imagine the difference this road will make once completed—it’s not something to underestimate.”
The minister appealed to residents to comply with tax obligations, stressing that development hinges on consistent revenue.
“It’s not politics; it’s about being responsible and responsive,” he added. “The government has given you land, and paying yearly ground rent is your responsibility. People constantly request more projects in their areas, but for that to happen, we need the money—and that comes from paying taxes. We will be very, very aggressive, but within legal boundaries, to ensure revenue flow for ongoing and future projects.”
Project inspection and deadline assurance
Wike made the remarks in Abuja during an inspection of critical infrastructure projects slated for commissioning in May to mark President Tinubu’s second anniversary in office.
The minister assessed several key projects, including the 15-kilometer left-hand service carriageway of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) from Ring Road 1 to Wasa Junction, the 16-kilometer Inner Northern Expressway (INEX) from Ring Road III to the Idu Industrial Area, and the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal Office Complex in Jabi District, expected to be completed by September.
Expressing satisfaction with the quality and pace of work by contractors, Wike stressed the importance of meeting the May deadline, adding that the government remains committed to building trust with contractors and the public.
(Business Day)
