Abuja, Nigeria â May 30, 2025
A significant political clash has erupted in Nigeria’s capital as Senator Ireti Kingibe challenges the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, over the recent sealing of properties due to unpaid ground rent.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) initiated actions against over 4,700 properties, citing unpaid dues amounting to more than N6 billion. Senator Kingibe contends that such measures are illegal and exacerbate the economic hardships faced by residents. In response, Minister Wike’s spokesperson defends the actions, referencing the Land Use Act to justify the enforcement.
This dispute underscores the tension between legal frameworks and the socio-economic realities confronting many Nigerians.
đĽ Key Takeaways:
- Senator Ireti Kingibe criticizes FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for sealing properties over unpaid ground rent.
- Wike’s spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, defends the actions, citing the Land Use Act.
- Over 4,700 properties, including government agencies, were affected due to unpaid ground rent totaling over N6 billion.
- President Bola Tinubu intervenes, granting a 14-day grace period for defaulters.
- The debate highlights tensions between legal enforcement and economic realities.
Full Story:
In Abuja, a heated exchange has erupted between Senator Ireti Kingibe and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over the recent sealing of properties due to unpaid ground rent.
Senator Kingibe condemned the actions, stating, “The indiscriminate and sometimes abrupt sealing of properties… only serves to deepen the economic distress of individuals, families, and business owners already facing mounting hardship.”
In response, Wike’s spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, defended the enforcement, referencing the Land Use Act: “It is embarrassingly ignorant for a serving senator to be unaware of Section 28 of the Land Use Act.”
The FCTA had initiated the sealing of over 4,700 properties, including notable establishments like the Federal Inland Revenue Service and the PDP secretariat, due to unpaid ground rent accumulating over decades.
President Bola Tinubu has since intervened, granting a 14-day grace period for defaulters to settle their debts.
đĽ Watch the full report:
PRESS STATEMENT BY SENATOR IRETI KINGIBE
— Sen. Ireti Kingibe (@IretiKingibe) May 29, 2025
Senator Representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)
Date: May 26, 2025
I am deeply concerned by the growing number of reports regarding the sealing of properties across the Federal Capital Territory by various government agencies.⌠pic.twitter.com/KFdzBtRQlE
đŁď¸ Top Comments from X (formerly Twitter):
@NaijaObserver: “Wike is right. You can’t owe for decades and expect no consequences.”
@FCTResident: “Kingibe is standing up for the people. Not everyone can afford these rents.”
@LegalEagle: “The law is clear. Ground rent defaults can lead to revocation.”
@AbujaBusiness: “This affects businesses. We need a balanced approach.”
@UrbanPlanner: “Proper notice and legal procedures should be followed.”
The clash between Senator Kingibe and Minister Wike underscores the complexities of governance, legal enforcement, and economic challenges in Nigeria’s capital. As the 14-day grace period unfolds, stakeholders await resolutions that balance legality with compassion.
Source: Legit.ng – Nigeria news.
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