Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revealed his administration’s plan to adopt an aggressive approach to revenue generation in a bid to facilitate the completion of more projects across the territory.Speaking after the inspection of key projects in the FCT yesterday, Wike emphasised that tax payments were crucial to funding initiatives that significantly enhance the lives of residents.
“It is from the payment of taxes that we will be able to carry out projects that are meaningful and that have a positive impact on the lives of our people,” he stated.
He highlighted the administration’s commitment to prudent financial management, which he believes is vital for starting and completing projects within the designated time frames.
“Prudent management is key. You can have more funds, but if you do not manage it well, you will not achieve,” he said, underscoring the importance of judicious fund allocation.
“What is important is to apply the funds judiciously, and that is what you have seen the result today. I have always been saying that I will not start a project when I know there are no funds. Not just for the sake of awarding contracts. What people want is not just to award contracts; I want a company for them to use,” he said.
The minister cautioned against initiating projects without adequate funding, stating, “If you award a contract, it becomes an abandoned project. It does not make any sense. So, we have managed the little funds we have. That is why we are going to be very aggressive in our revenue drive to achieve more projects.”
He addressed concerns regarding the revocation of Certificates of Occupancy, explaining, “When people complain that we are revoking CofOs, they do not understand that it is from such payments, taxes, that we will be able to carry out projects that are meaningful.”
According to Wike, the completion of roads and other infrastructure will provide substantial benefits to residents, which cannot be underestimated.
“So, we are appealing to our people. It is not politics; it is about being responsible, being responsive. Government has given you land for you to pay yearly, annual ground rent for us to use for development.”
Noting the daily requests for project extensions in various areas, he reiterated the importance of tax payments for financing these initiatives.
“Yes, we want to extend, but if the money is there, and how will the money be there? It is only when you pay taxes. So, we will be very, very aggressive.
“Very, very aggressive. Within the limits of the law. We are very aggressive in our revenue drive so that we can complete all the projects that we have started,” Wike said.
