Nyesom Wike issues warning to ground rent defaulters in Abuja

Nyesom Wike, the FCT minister, issued a stern warning to defaulters of ground rent payment in Abuja, emphasizing that consequences would follow.

Mr. Wike made this statement during a visit from the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), led by its president, Chris Isiguzo, in Abuja.

The minister emphasized that his directive regarding ground rent was not an empty threat, stating that “something will surely happen.”

“The law has been there before I came. The only problem is applying the law. The minister of state and I have the capacity and political will to do what is right. You know Nigerians are funny, believing that nothing will happen. Something will happen. We can’t continue that way; we can’t,” Mr. Wike explained.

In September, the FCT Administration published land titles of individuals, organizations, and agencies with outstanding ground rent payments. The publication served as a reminder to allotees of lands within Abuja of their obligation to pay ground rent in advance, as stipulated in the Certificate of Occupancy (CofO) starting from January 1 of each year. Failure to comply with the terms set out in the Rights of Occupancy was warned to be liable to title revocation.

In response, Mr. Wike warned defaulters that the law would be applied if they failed to pay after the final notice period.

“We have given defaulters a final notice to go and pay, and they said it is initial ‘gragra.’ Something will happen. By the time we give the final notice, and you don’t pay, the law will be applied,” he stated.

Mr. Wike also highlighted the administration’s commitment to rectifying issues within Abuja, and despite the tough decisions made, it’s for the long-term benefit of the region. He pledged ongoing support for the media as valuable partners in development.

The process for paying ground rent involves e-payment through the REMITA portal to generate a REMITA Retrieval Reference (RRR). Affected individuals are encouraged to register and make payments through the REMITA portal.

Credit: NAN