The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has identified “big men” (affluent individuals) residing in Abuja as a major obstacle to voluntary tax compliance for development.
Wike made this statement during the inauguration of the newly constructed Collector Road CN2 (Zakari A. Kyari Street) on Thursday in Abuja.
The minister expressed frustration that wealthy individuals who readily pay taxes and ground rent in foreign countries like London and the U.S. were reluctant to do so in Abuja.
He emphasised that taxes and ground rents paid by responsible residents were used to execute infrastructure projects like the CN2 road.
Wike highlighted the importance of tax payment, stating that the FCT’s allocation from the Federation Account was insufficient to cover salaries, let alone infrastructure development.
He urged President Bola Tinubu, to encourage FCT residents to pay their taxes.
The minister warned that names of defaulters would be published in newspapers and emphasised that wealthy individuals building houses in areas like Katampe and Mabushi must pay their ground rents.
He stressed that tax compliance is crucial for delivering critical infrastructure and development in the FCT.
