TheCable

Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has called on residents to pay their taxes and ground rents to enable FCT Administration (FCTA) to provide critical infrastructure.

Wike spoke on Tuesday after an inspection tour of project sites in Abuja.

He said the government needed resources to provide critical infrastructure.

“Like we have always said to the elites in the FCT – they want roads, they want a good environment, they want streetlights everywhere, but the government does not print money,” Wike said.

“Government needs to tax people and then use that money for the development of the area. So, I will always plead with everybody that they should try as much as they can, to pay their ground rents.”

The minister further said funds from taxes, ground rent and other revenues were being used judiciously to ensure the delivery of various projects in the federal capital to meet the needs of residents.

He said despite the economic situation in the country, FCTA was prompt in the payment to various contractors to ensure timely delivery of ongoing projects.

“With the taxes people pay, we try as much as we can, to allocate it to the priority projects,” he said.

“Again, we don’t allow variation because we also try to pay as at when due; so the issue of variation does not come in.”

On his assessment of the projects’ delivery so far, the minister expressed optimism they would be completed in May to mark President Bola Tinubu’s one year in office.

“I think we are quite optimistic with the speed of work, and taking advantage of the weather, we believe that by May, these projects will be ready,” Wike said.

“It is very key for us to understand that without payment of taxes, it will be very difficult for us to carry out most of these gigantic projects.”

The projects inspected by Wike included the completion of the vice president’s residence by Julius Berger, the Asokoro and Area One roundabout on the outer southern expressway being constructed by CGC Construction Nigeria Limited.

Other projects inspected by the minister are Wuye Bridge being handled by Arab Contractors and, the ongoing construction of B6 and B12 roads connecting Independence Avenue in the central area with City Gate, also handled by Julius Berger.