President Bola Tinubu has called on residents, property owners and businesses in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to fulfil their obligations by paying ground rents, taxes and other statutory charges, stressing that such payments are critical to sustaining infrastructure development and urban transformation across Abuja.
The President made the appeal while commissioning infrastructure projects in the FCT, where he highlighted the connection between internally generated revenue and the government’s ability to deliver roads, public facilities and other development projects. According to Tinubu, citizens who meet their financial obligations to government contribute directly to the provision of infrastructure that improves economic activity and quality of life.
Ground Rent Revenue Seen as Key Funding Source
Ground rent is an annual charge paid by landholders in Abuja under the terms of their land allocation agreements. The revenue generated forms part of the funding available to the FCT Administration for infrastructure provision, maintenance and urban development initiatives.
Tinubu emphasised that compliance with these obligations would enable authorities to undertake additional developmental projects and maintain the pace of infrastructure delivery currently underway in the capital city. He pointed to ongoing road construction, district development and urban renewal projects as examples of how public revenues are translated into visible improvements for residents.
The President’s comments come amid heightened attention on ground rent collection following recent enforcement actions by the FCT Administration against thousands of properties with outstanding obligations.
FCT Administration Intensifies Revenue Enforcement
The issue of ground rent gained national attention after the FCT Administration moved to enforce payments on properties with outstanding liabilities. Earlier enforcement exercises affected thousands of properties across Abuja, including those owned by organisations, institutions and private entities that had accumulated unpaid ground rents over extended periods.
Following public concerns and stakeholder engagement, President Tinubu intervened and approved a grace period for affected property owners to settle outstanding obligations and associated penalties. The intervention was intended to balance revenue collection objectives with the need to provide adequate time for compliance.
Officials of the FCT Administration have consistently argued that timely payment of land-related charges is necessary to finance public services and infrastructure development across the territory.
Abuja’s Rapid Growth Driving Infrastructure Demand
Abuja remains one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing urban centres, with increasing demand for transportation networks, housing, public facilities and municipal services. As the nation’s capital, the city continues to attract residents, businesses, diplomatic missions and investors, creating additional pressure on infrastructure systems.
The Federal Government has prioritised infrastructure investment within the FCT as part of broader efforts to position Abuja as a modern and globally competitive capital city. Recent projects have focused on road expansion, district connectivity, urban renewal and improvements to public facilities aimed at supporting economic growth and enhancing liveability.
Analysts note that sustainable infrastructure delivery often depends on a combination of federal allocations, internally generated revenue and private sector participation. Ground rents and other land administration charges therefore remain important components of the FCT’s revenue framework.
Implications for Property Owners and Investors
For property owners, the President’s remarks reinforce the government’s intention to strengthen compliance with land administration regulations. Investors and developers operating within Abuja’s real estate market may face increased scrutiny regarding statutory obligations, including ground rent payments and title documentation requirements.
At the same time, improved revenue collection could support further investment in infrastructure, potentially enhancing property values and commercial activity across key districts of the capital. Infrastructure improvements typically contribute to increased accessibility, stronger economic activity and greater attractiveness for residential and commercial development.
Outlook
President Tinubu’s call for Abuja residents to pay ground rents reflects the Federal Government’s broader strategy of linking revenue generation to infrastructure delivery. As the FCT continues to expand and modernise, authorities are seeking to strengthen compliance with statutory obligations while accelerating development projects across the capital.
The success of this approach will depend on effective revenue administration, transparency in project execution and continued investment in infrastructure that delivers measurable benefits to residents, businesses and investors throughout Abuja.
