Pay Taxes, Ground Rents To Sustain Abuja’s Development, Tinubu Tells Residents

President Bola Tinubu has urged residents and business owners in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to pay their taxes, ground rents and other statutory charges, saying compliance is critical to sustaining infrastructure development and improving public services in the nation’s capital.

Tinubu made the appeal on Wednesday while commissioning the full-scope development of Arterial Road N5 (Obafemi Awolowo Way), stretching from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III in Dape District, Abuja.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President described the newly completed road as a strategic economic corridor that would improve connectivity, attract investment and enhance the quality of life for residents.

He said the project reflected his administration’s commitment to completing inherited and ongoing infrastructure projects under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Government provides infrastructure. Citizens provide civic responsibility. To the residents and business owners enjoying this transformation, I urge you to meet your obligations. Pay your taxes. Clear your land fees and ground rents. Your compliance gives the FCT Administration the strength to build more roads like this one,” Tinubu said.

The President noted that the completion of the Dape section fulfilled a promise made during the commissioning of the first phase of the road project in Gwarinpa I District in June 2025.

According to him, the administration is determined to complete projects rather than abandon them midway.

“We promised not to leave this vital artery half-done because the Renewed Hope Agenda is not about abandoned projects; it is about delivery from start to finish. Today, we are back to close the circle,” he said.

Tinubu stated that the road was conceived, funded and executed under his administration, adding that the contract was awarded to Julius Berger in October 2024 with a strict completion timeline.

He commended FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for driving infrastructure development across the territory and ensuring projects are delivered on schedule.

“Minister Wike and his team have shown what happens when political will meets accountability. We fund projects to see results, not to listen to grammar,” he said.

The President said the road would ease traffic congestion around Life Camp Junction and improve connectivity between Dape, Karmo, Gwarinpa I, Kado, Idu and Mbora districts.

He added that the project would boost access to the Idu Industrial District, lower logistics costs, attract investments and create employment opportunities.

Tinubu also called on traditional rulers, community leaders and residents to protect public infrastructure from vandalism.

“This road belongs to you. Protect it. Guard the streetlights. Keep the drainage clear. Do not allow vandals to destroy what we built with our collective resources,” he said.

Earlier, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike said ongoing infrastructure projects across the territory demonstrated that the Renewed Hope Agenda was delivering visible results.

He said communities that had long lacked basic infrastructure were beginning to experience government presence through road construction and other development initiatives.

Wike also disclosed that all property owners affected by the road project had been fully compensated and urged anyone with outstanding claims to come forward.

The Minister of State for the FCT, Mariya Mahmoud, described the project as a major milestone that would improve connectivity, stimulate economic activities and enhance residents’ welfare across the Federal Capital Territory.