Wike: FCTA’s N34 billion ground rent and debtor punishment

Owners of landed properties that owe the FCT Administration (FCTA) ground rentals totaling N34 billion, according to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, may face consequences.

Wike made this statement during a Tuesday visit from members of the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee Inquiring Failure of Mass Transportation in Nigeria.

He issued a warning to allottees who were behind on their ground rent payments to the FCT Administration, telling them that their land would be taken away and given to someone who could pay.

“I have estimated the amount for unpaid ground rent to be roughly N34 billion, and I plan to recover all of those. I could care less; all I need is for the rent to be paid, he declared.

The list of those owing FCTA ground rent, according to the minister, will be made public on Thursday, and they will have two weeks to make payments.

He claims that if someone doesn’t pay, their land will be taken away and handed to someone who does in order to provide the required services.

People desire to reside in a lovely city yet refuse to pay their taxes, which is untenable.

He claimed that after deciding to attach projects to internally generated revenue in order to allow contractors to finish abandoned projects, the decision became unavoidable.

Wike criticised the FCT’s inadequate budgetary allotment and pleaded with the MPs to help make it more adequate.

As a result of his displeasure over the fact that AUMTCO buses were being lent out without upkeep, the minister also declared that he would revamp the Abuja Urban Mass Transport Company (AUMTCO).

Earlier, Mr. Afam Ogene, the chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee, stated that his group had met with the minister to discuss how to address the problem of epileptic mass transit in both the nation and the FCT.

During the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SUR-P), approximately N16 billion was invested in mass transit, according to Ogene, who called the development “worrisome” and claimed that few services had been provided.

He expressed relief at the traffic lights being installed throughout the city and the continuing transformation of the Abuja Light Rail transportation system.

“We’re here to support you in looking into and organising transportation. We will assist you in doing it, and it will also help to address issues facing One Chance in the city, he promised.