Abuja, June 19, 2025 – The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has decried the widespread tax evasion by wealthy residents and high-profile individuals in Abuja, describing them as the biggest obstacle to the territory’s revenue growth and development efforts.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting on internally generated revenue, Wike expressed frustration over what he called the “entitlement culture” of Abuja’s elite, whom he accused of refusing to pay basic statutory obligations, including ground rent, property taxes, and service levies.
“The biggest problem we have in Abuja are the so-called ‘big men.’ They don’t pay taxes, yet they expect roads, lights, security, and all the comfort of the city,” Wike said. “How can we develop a capital city when those with the most resources deliberately refuse to contribute their quota?”
The Minister stressed that the FCT Administration would no longer tolerate the refusal of influential individuals and corporate entities to fulfill their tax obligations, warning that enforcement mechanisms would be strengthened to ensure compliance across all social classes.
According to Wike, while ordinary citizens and small business owners have been bearing the brunt of taxation, many affluent residents have defaulted for years without consequence. He noted that this imbalance not only undermines development but also erodes public trust in the governance system.
Wike reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to expanding the FCT’s revenue base without overburdening the poor. He directed relevant agencies to commence a robust data audit of taxable properties and individuals across the territory, adding that legal action would be taken against persistent defaulters.
His remarks come amid broader national efforts to improve tax collection, reduce dependence on federal allocations, and plug revenue leakages. Observers say the Minister’s hard stance could signal a shift toward more aggressive fiscal accountability in the nation’s capital.
As the FCT rolls out these measures, residents have been urged to cooperate fully with tax authorities and take advantage of ongoing amnesty programmes to regularise their records.
