Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike, has declared that there will be no relief for tax defaulters in Abuja, regardless of their social or political status. He vowed to enforce compliance with the law, stressing that he would not hesitate to take action against the wealthy and influential who fail to meet their financial obligations to the government.
“I will touch the rich tax defaulters—and heaven will not fall,” Wike said emphatically.
His remarks follow a major crackdown on property tax evasion, which led to the sealing of several properties on Monday, May 26, 2025, including the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Wuse Zone 5, Abuja, over unpaid ground rent. The move drew sharp criticism from the PDP, with Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, describing it as an act of irresponsibility by the Federal Government.
Speaking on Thursday at the 2025 Distinguished Personality Lecture at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Wike delivered a speech titled “Nigeria of Our Dreams”, in which he defended his stance and laid out his vision for responsible governance and courageous leadership.
“Leadership is not about sentiment or favoritism. It is about making the tough decisions that move society forward,” he said. “No poor man owns property in Maitama or Asokoro. These are the rich who refuse to pay their dues. If they don’t pay, I will go after them, and nothing will happen. That is what leadership means.”
Wike criticized the long-standing culture of impunity among elites and stressed that he was not appointed to win popularity contests but to enforce the law and deliver results.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s leadership trajectory, Wike lamented that the country has often ended up with leaders who were neither prepared nor willing to lead. “Some of our leaders were reluctant from the start and lacked the knowledge, patriotism, and character required for national development,” he noted.
He attributed Nigeria’s underdevelopment in basic infrastructure, healthcare, and governance to these leadership shortcomings, adding that the country has spent decades “groping in the dark.”
According to Wike, the kind of leader Nigeria needs must be well-prepared, courageous, and committed to the country’s future. “The leader of our dreams must be bold and proactive, someone who believes in the promise of Nigeria and is ready to make tough, informed decisions that unlock her full potential,” he said.
Citing Dubai as an example of visionary leadership, Wike referenced Yasar Jarrar’s book The Sheikh CEO, which credits the city’s transformation from desert to global hub to the vision and discipline of leaders like Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
He also praised President Bola Tinubu for exhibiting such bold leadership, particularly for his decisive removal of fuel subsidy upon assuming office—a move Wike described as an act of rare political courage.
“Many talked about the harm of the subsidy regime, but only Tinubu had the courage to remove it,” Wike said. “That single act freed up resources, reduced debt accumulation, and set the stage for a more sustainable economy.”
Wike noted that, while the fallout from the subsidy removal has been difficult, it was a necessary step toward long-term growth. He credited Tinubu’s leadership during and after his tenure as Lagos State Governor for laying the foundation for continued progress.
The event also featured commendations from the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and OAU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Simeon Bamire, who both praised Wike for his consistent contributions to national development through various public service roles.
Wike concluded with a call for more courageous, disciplined leadership across all levels of governance, saying that only then can Nigeria realise its full potential and achieve the vision of a just, prosperous society.
