CSOs Urge FCT Landlords to Pay Ground Rent, Laud Minister Wike’s Efforts

Read Time:1 Minute, 58 Second

By Ochai Monday

A Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Peace, Security, Good Governance, Equity and Justice, in conjunction with Media Practitioners for Development MPD, has urged all the landowners and tenants in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to fulfill their statutory obligation by paying their ground rent.

In a press statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Monday and signed by the Executives of the group, Comrade James Okoronkwo and Johnson Eze, the coalition highlighted that the FCT Administration, led by Minister Barr Nyesom Wike, has made significant strides in road construction and urban renewal. Emphatically commending the Minister, the group pointed out some notable projects of the administration to include:

– 12 new roads, including access roads to Renewed Hope Cities and Estates, and a four-span bridge bypassing Airport Second Runway

– Rehabilitation of 15km old Keffi Road from Kado Village to Dei-Dei Junction

– Dualisation of Karu Interchange, Customs Clinic Junction road

– Construction of 30km roads in 6 Area Councils

– Expansion of Southern Expressway from Villa Roundabout to OSEX/Ring Road I Junction

– Solar lighting initiatives under the Light Up Abuja Programme

– Erosion control in Kaura District with three-span bridges

– Construction of residences for senior judicial officers

– Development of Arterial Road N20 from Northern Parkway to Outer Northern Expressway

The presss statement stressed that increased compliance with ground rent payments will enable the administration to implement more development projects across the territory.

Further, the coalition recalled that following the intervention of President Bola Tinubu, the FCT Minister Barr Nyesom Wike granted defaulters 24 days grace to pay outstanding ground rent with effect from May 26, 2025. Unfortunately, many have failed to seize this opportunity to do the right thing.

“We commend Minister Wike’s commitment to transparency and accountability. His efforts will transform the FCT into a more livable and prosperous city” The statement added.

While calling on all defaulters to take advantage of this window to settle their outstanding ground rent, Land Use Change/Conversion fee, Right of Occupancy (R-of-O), and Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills, the group

encourage all well-meaning Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Agenda, being implemented in FCT by Barr Nyesom Wike, aimed at transforming Abuja into a model capital city with world-class infrastructure stating that in doing so together, we can build a better FCT for all.