Big Men’ Remain FCT’s Biggest Tax Evaders, Laments Wike
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has identified wealthy residents of Abuja, popularly referred to as “big men,” as the greatest obstacle to effective tax collection and infrastructure development in the nation’s capital.
Wike stated this on Wednesday during the commissioning of the newly constructed Collector Road CN2 (Zakari A. Kyari Street) in the Katampe District of Abuja.
He expressed concern that affluent individuals who own properties in highbrow areas such as Maitama, Asokoro, and Katampe consistently refuse to pay ground rents and other statutory taxes, despite enjoying the benefits of government infrastructure.
He described the refusal of the elites to meet their financial obligations as a major threat to the success of the FCT Administration’s developmental agenda.
According to him, many of the same individuals who evade taxes in Abuja willingly comply with tax regulations when abroad.
“In this city, the major problem we have are the so-called big men. They don’t like to pay taxes. They evade ground rent, they don’t comply with land regulations, and they expect us to provide infrastructure. It cannot work that way,” Wike stated.
The Minister warned that the era of evading government dues is over, stressing that the administration would continue to take strict measures, including sealing properties and naming defaulters.
He noted that even the national secretariat of his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was sealed for non-compliance.
“I take joy in stepping on the toes of big men who think they are above the law. If you enjoy the benefits of living in Abuja, you must pay for it,” he said.
Wike also disclosed that Abuja receives less than one percent from the monthly Federation Allocation, making internally generated revenue crucial to the city’s operations.
While the FCT generates about ₦8 billion monthly, the government spends over ₦13 billion on salaries alone.
He said the successful delivery of the Katampe road project was due to the contributions of residents who paid their dues, and thanked compliant individuals and institutions for supporting the administration’s developmental efforts.
He urged President Bola Tinubu and members of the National Assembly to support ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening the FCT’s revenue base. Wike emphasized that the FCTA was not attempting to embarrass anyone, but was determined to build a culture of accountability and civic responsibility.
“This is about fairness and development. No poor man lives in Maitama, Katampe or Asokoro. It is the rich that are benefiting from this city, and they must pay their share,” Wike said.
The Minister vowed that enforcement actions would continue without fear or favour, adding that persistent defaulters risk having their properties sealed or titles revoked.
