The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) acknowledges the commendable efforts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, in driving visible infrastructural development and enhancing Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) initiatives within Abuja. We share the vision of the FCT’s founders for a clean, beautiful, and well developed capital city.
While recognizing the importance of these developmental strides, the NUJ wishes to express its concern regarding the current approach to revenue collection, particularly concerning ground rent payments and the associated threat of property forfeiture. In the prevailing challenging economic climate, we believe that the imposition of substantial financial burdens, without due consideration for the severe hardships faced by ordinary citizens, risks undermining the very well-being of the FCT’s residents. Our aspiration is for a capital that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also one where the human element and the welfare of its inhabitants are paramount.
The recent sealing of hotels and businesses, while understood as an effort to compel compliance with payment obligations, has prompted concerns about the broader implications of such enforcement tactics. We suggest a review of these actions to ensure they do not inadvertently deter visitors or lead to business closures and job losses, which would ultimately place further pressure on the local economy and the government.
The NUJ strongly encourages the Federal Capital Territory Administration to ensure that all administrative powers, including ground rent enforcement, are exercised in a manner that fully respects due process and established legal frameworks. Unilateral actions, or those perceived to bypass due process, could unfortunately create an environment of unpredictability, potentially deterring investment and eroding public trust in the administration.
Maintaining the rule of law is fundamental to attracting and retaining both local and international confidence.
We respectfully caution against any actions that might project a negative image of Nigeria internationally. Upholding human rights and the rule of law are cornerstones of a democratic state, and any perceived deviation could potentially deter foreign investment and impact the nation’s reputation.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists respectfully urges the Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, to re-evaluate the current enforcement strategies. We believe that a more measured and empathetic approach is crucial to safeguard the credibility of the FCT Administration and, by extension, the integrity and public perception of the Tinubu Administration as a whole. It is imperative that development in the FCT is pursued with humanity, empathy, and an unwavering adherence to democratic tenets and the rights of citizens.
forcement strategies. We believe that a more measured and empathetic approach is crucial to safeguard the credibility of the FCT Administration and, by extension, the integrity and public perception of the Tinubu Administration as a whole. It is imperative that development in the FCT is pursued with humanity, empathy, and an unwavering adherence to democratic tenets and the rights of citizens.
Signed:
Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi,
National President,
Nigeria Union of Journalists,
26th May,2025.
