By PHILIP YATAI

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, on Friday, demanded the list of ground rent defaulters across the territory for immediate implementation of necessary sanctions.

Wike gave the directive in Abuja while inaugurating two committees to address land issues at River Park Estate and abuse of land use act in the FCT.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the FCT Administration had on June 2, published a demand notice for the payment of ground rent due to the FCT Administration from 2014 to 2024.

The FCT Administration gave the defaulters two weeks to comply.

Wike noted that the two weeks had long elapsed into months, adding that it was time for enforcement of necessary sanctions.

“We have allowed so much time. Initially we gave two weeks; it has passed one month, two months, three months.

“You know how Nigerians are, if you don’t take steps nothing will happen.

“So, all those owing, from the ones we have published up to 2025, you have to provide the list so that we commence immediate implementation.

“This will enable us to receive the needed funds that will aid us in the development of infrastructure in the FCT,” he said.

The minister said that the FCT 2025 budget had been passed and assented to, by President Bola Tinubu.

He, however, pointed out that without funds, there was no way the administration would undertake projects that would have a positive impact on the lives of FCT residents.

“So, please, Directors of Land, Abuja Geographic Information System, Development Control, Urban and Regional Planning, you need to work tirelessly to make sure that this is achieved,” the minister said. (NAN)