Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to demolishing illegal structures in Abuja, stating that there will be no extension of the grace period given to landowners who have not complied with payment requirements.
During an inspection of ongoing infrastructural projects in the capital, Wike expressed his unwavering focus on the mandate despite public complaints regarding the demolition exercises. “I have never complained of distraction. Nothing distracts me. I am very focused, and even if people are complaining, it is part of governance,” he said.
Wike emphasized the necessity of the demolition, insisting that shanties and illegal buildings must be removed to ensure proper development. “Demolition must go ahead. It doesn’t matter what anybody will say. At the end of the day, they will still come back to say, ‘you did a good job,’” he asserted.
The minister also addressed the revocation of plots, clarifying that only those who have made the necessary payments will retain their property. He indicated that the government would not entertain further grace periods, citing a lack of compliance from landowners. “These allocations were done more than 10 years ago… Abuja does not have anything other than property to tax for us to have development,” he explained.
Wike stressed the importance of compliance for funding infrastructural projects, stating, “Our interest is for them to pay so we can use the funds for the development of the FCT. After the grace period expires, we will reallocate all those lands to other people who are interested.”
As the government continues its efforts to enhance urban development in Abuja, Minister Wike remains steadfast in his approach, prioritizing the greater good over individual complaints.
