“I Derive Joy from Stepping on Big Toes”: Wike Targets Abuja Ground Rent Debtors

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has once again stirred the political waters with bold remarks and an uncompromising stance on governance. During a recent media chat in Abuja, the former Rivers State Governor declared that he derives satisfaction from taking on powerful figures and institutions who flout the laws of the land, particularly those owing ground rents on properties in the nation’s capital.

Wike, renowned for his confrontational political style, said that property owners—no matter their status—must comply with ground rent obligations or risk severe consequences. “I take joy when I step on the toes of big men; those who say nothing will happen, but I say something will happen. It makes me happy,” the Minister stated with characteristic bluntness.

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His comments came as the FCT Administration escalated its enforcement of ground rent recovery, a campaign that has shaken Nigeria’s political and business elite. Wike said his predecessors in the FCT, including current Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, lacked the courage to confront high-profile defaulters.

“People said the FCT wasn’t working before, but now it is. That means I’m doing what they refused to do. They didn’t have the guts to offend the so-called big men,” Wike asserted. “All they wanted was to penalize the poor, assuming nothing would happen. I say, whether rich or poor, if you flout the rules, something will happen.”

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A major highlight of Wike’s ground rent crusade is the publication of names of nearly 9,000 property owners who have defaulted for periods ranging from 10 to 43 years. The list was printed in national newspapers, a move intended to shame debtors and pressure them into compliance.

Among the affected properties is the national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a fact Wike emphasized during the interview. “Even the PDP must pay. The law doesn’t recognize parties; it recognizes obligations,” he said, taking a swipe at the same party under whose platform he rose to prominence.

The move drew mixed reactions across political circles, particularly as Wike’s tough enforcement comes amid ongoing internal rifts within the PDP. He has been at odds with several top party chieftains, including Bode George, whom he criticized indirectly during the chat. The minister’s insistence on equal treatment under the law, however, has garnered support from some quarters that have long demanded greater transparency and accountability in Abuja’s land management.

On May 23, 2025, the FCT Administration formally announced plans to seize about 5,000 properties due to unpaid ground rents. Wike’s team began sealing and repossessing assets, sparking protests and last-minute negotiations from several property owners. While many applauded the move as necessary to boost government revenue and enforce urban discipline, critics accused the FCT of acting with excessive speed and insufficient engagement.

Amid growing tension, President Bola Tinubu intervened, granting a 14-day grace period to allow debtors to clear their outstanding obligations and avoid losing their assets. Wike confirmed the extension and stated that the administration would resume enforcement after the deadline lapses.

Analysts have described Wike’s campaign as a bold reform aimed at revamping the capital city’s revenue system and urban integrity. Abuja’s ground rent system—long neglected—represents a significant stream of income that, if properly managed, could support the city’s infrastructure and services.

In defending his approach, Wike dismissed accusations of bias or vendetta. “I don’t care who owns the building or what party they belong to. If you owe, pay. If you don’t, your property is at risk,” he said.

The former governor also made it clear that his loyalty is now to governance and results, not political sentiment. “Starting is not the problem; finishing well is. And I intend to finish strong. You can’t do that by being afraid of offending powerful people.”

As the deadline granted by President Tinubu draws to a close, all eyes are on the FCT Administration to see whether it will make good on its promise to repossess non-compliant properties—including those linked to political heavyweights.

Wike’s aggressive enforcement posture may have unsettled the status quo, but for many residents, it signals a shift toward a more accountable and rules-based capital city administration.