Ground rent: Wike issues final caution to defaulters, threatening “something will happen

A final warning was given to ground rent defaulters in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Tuesday by Minister Nyesom Wike, who insisted that something will happen.

When Wike was visited in Abuja by the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) leadership, which was led by Dr. Chris Isiguzo, the organization’s president, he issued the warning.

Defying the mistaken belief that the ground rent directive was a meaningless threat, the minister declared that “something will surely happen.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) notes that the land titles of people, groups, and agencies who owed ground rent were released by the FCT Administration in September.

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The FCTA reminded land allottees in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the publication of their yearly payment requirements as outlined in the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), which are to be made in advance without demand starting on January 1.

Title revocation could result from a violation or noncompliance with any or all of the conditions outlined in the Rights of Occupancy, as per the FCTA’s warning.

In order to avoid losing their titles, the government warned allottees, property owners, and beneficiaries of the sale of Federal Government homes in the FCT.

At the end of the grace period, Wike promised the defaulters that he would follow through on his word and revoke such schemes.

“The law existed before I arrived. The law’s application is the only issue. I have the political will and ability to act morally alongside the Minister of State.

You know Nigerians are humorous because they think nothing bad would happen. Something will take place. That is not how we can go forward; we cannot.

“We’ve given defaulters one last chance to pay, and they said it’s their first time being called ‘garagara,’” which means false bravery. Something will take place.

He threatened to use the law if, by the time we issue the final notice, you have not paid.

After the Administration was removed from the Treasury Single Account, he said, FCTA was able to conserve a substantial amount of Internally Generated Revenue, signalling the end of the period of abandoned projects in the Federal Capital Territory.

He clarified that some of the tough choices made by the FCTA would ultimately benefit everyone, noting that the government will cross lines in its attempts to make amends in the Federal Capital Territory.

As essential partners in the development arena, the minister promised to continue supporting the media.