Wike To Intensify Revenue Drive To Complete Projects

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to intensify internally generated revenue (IGR) efforts to secure funds for the completion of ongoing projects.

During an inspection of several projects in Abuja, Wike emphasized that prudent resource management had been instrumental in the progress made so far.

He stated that a strategic and aggressive revenue drive would ensure that taxpayers in the FCT fulfill their financial obligations, thus facilitating completion of critical developments.

Wike conducted the inspection ahead of the planned inauguration of major projects in May, marking President Bola Tinubu’s second year in office.

The projects visited included the construction of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, the access road and service lane from the Apo roundabout to Wassa, and a 16-kilometer road connecting Idu to Dei Dei.

Highlighting the importance of tax compliance, Wike underscored that the revenue drive would adhere strictly to legal provisions.

He explained that funding for meaningful development projects depended on tax revenue and land-related payments, including the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) fees and annual ground rent.

“That is why we will aggressively drive our revenue to achieve more and deliver more projects,” Wike asserted.

“When people complain about the revocation of Certificates of Occupancy, they fail to realize that such payments and taxes are crucial for executing projects that benefit the public.”

He urged FCT residents to voluntarily meet their tax obligations, stressing that development could only be expanded across all parts of the territory if the administration had sufficient financial resources.

Regarding the status of ongoing projects, Wike expressed satisfaction with the pace of the Idu-Dei Dei Road construction, which was awarded in 2014 and is now set for completion in May.

“I never believed that the project would be completed in May, but the contractor has assured us with confidence that it will be delivered on schedule,” he noted.

Other key projects, including the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, are expected to be completed by September, while the Apo-Wassa Road along the Outer Southern Expressway is on track for the month of May completion.

Wike emphasized that these developments align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, fulfilling promises made to FCT residents and enhancing the territory’s infrastructure.

Remi Johnson, Edited By Blessing Nyor