Wike says prominent Nigerians owe FCT N300b, aggressive drive yields N25b IGR monthly
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Prominent Nigerians, including former Presidents, former and sitting Governors, Ministers, lawmakers, and billionaires owe the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) more than N300 billion in certificate of occupancy (C of O) fees for land allocations, which led to the spate of title revocations, according to Nyesom Wike.
The FCT Minister made the disclosure at a press briefing on Sunday night at his official residence in Life Camp, Abuja.
He also disclosed that his aggressive revenue drive has raised FCT internally generated revenue (IGR) from about ₦9 billion when he assumed office in August 2023 to an average ₦25 billion monthly, which made it possible for more than N60 billion revenue in December 2024.
He attributed IGR growth to the collection of ground rent and payment for C of Os by land allottees, which facilitates the payment of a monthly wage bill of N13 billion.
“We don’t get up to N13 billion from VAT [Value Added Tax] and 1 per cent from the federal government. So, we have to augment the IGR to be able to pay salaries because of the new wages,” Wike said.
“As at the time I came, we were generating about N9 billion to N10 billion. Today, by the grace of God, we are not generating less than N25 billion 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?
“In your conscience, can you say that the FCT is justifying the revenue or the taxes you are paying? Yes, it is correct. We can beat our taxes to say we are doing that but it is not enough.”
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