· Perform or get sacked!
· Two FCTA directors on way out
· No going back on land reforms
· Says FCTA can earn N300bn IGR monthly
By Sarah NEGEDU and Laraba MUREY
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Sunday was at his blistering best, warning that those in the administration should be willing to work or be kicked out.
At a media briefing, he also used the avenue to say that there was no going back on land reforms as well as to tout the impressive internally generated revenue of the administration.
Work or get sacked
Wike also made it clear that he will not tolerate inefficiency or lack of commitment within his team.
“When I identify that you are not willing to work, I will kick you out,” he declared, sharing that he had already made the decision to remove two directors from FCT Administration.
“I don’t give a damn. When I see you’re not working, I will kick you out. Heaven will not fall.”
Land regularisation
Speaking on land reforms, he warned administration officials and landowners who fail to comply with regulations in Abuja, vowing to take decisive action against non-compliance with extant laws.
Wike highlighted the importance of Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) in driving business growth and economic development.
He stated that his administration was committed to clearing the backlog of C of Os and ensuring businesses have access to the necessary documentations for financing.
Underlining the significant progress his administration has made, Wike revealed that while previous administrations issued about 7,000 to 8,000 C of Os from 2015 to 2023, his administration has already signed 7,000 C of Os in just two years.
He noted that acquiring a C of O gives businesses the right to occupancy, which can be used as collateral for loans, helping them thrive in the competitive market.
The minister further expressed frustration over unpaid land fees, including the staggering N300billion owed for Right of Occupancy (R of O) fees, which he argued has been delaying infrastructure development in three FCT.
“Government gave you land, and you can’t go and pay over 15 to 16 years, what kind of country are we in?” Wike expressed.
FCT can earn N300bn monthly
On internally generated revenue, Wike said his aggressive revenue drive has shot up the monthly earnings of the nation’s capital from about ₦9bn when he assumed office in August 2023 to an average of ₦25bn monthly.
The minister disclosed that the FCTA generated over ₦40bn in December 2024.
He attributed the growth in revenue to the collection of ground rents and payment of Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) by land allottees.
The minister said the FCT pays salaries to the tune of N13bn every month. “We don’t get up to N13bn from VAT and the 1% from the Federal Government.
“So, we have to augment from the IGR to be able to pay the salaries because of the new wages.
“As at the time I came, we were generating about N9bn to N10bn. Today, by the grace of God, we are not generating less than N25bn a month.
“It is because of our aggressive revenue drive. In fact, last month, we were able to generate about 40 something billion naira. Aggressive revenue drive to be able to carry out infrastructure
“It must be from taxes and when taxes are not paid how do we get development?”
The minister said the nation’s capital has the potential to generate up to ₦300bn monthly revenue if land allottees fulfil their obligations.
