Nigerians React As Wike Threatens To Seal Off Properties Amid Ground Rent Dispute – ‘No Blackmail Will Stop Me

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning that his administration will seal properties in Abuja belonging to individuals who have failed to pay their ground rent.

Wike made the statement on Monday during his monthly media briefing in Abuja, emphasizing that he would not be swayed by any form of blackmail or political pressure.

In a bid to enforce compliance, the FCT Administration had earlier published the names of 9,000 defaulters in national newspapers, urging them to pay up or risk losing their properties. On May 23, 2025, the FCTA announced plans to reclaim over 5,000 properties that have defaulted on ground rent payments for between 10 to 43 years — including high-profile buildings such as the PDP national secretariat.

Despite President Bola Tinubu granting a 14-day grace period for payment, Wike noted that many have failed to comply even after over three months.

“I just laugh—it’s unfortunate,” Wike said. “I thank God Mr. President said give them two weeks or one month. We’ve gone beyond that. Some have complied, but those who haven’t will face the consequences.”

He continued: “We are going to seal every non-compliant property. You can’t expect us to develop the city without collecting taxes. When enforcement starts, political noise will follow, but I won’t be distracted.”