President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to delivering the dividends of good governance to all Nigerians through massive investments in infrastructure.

 

Speaking on Thursday during the official commissioning of the newly constructed Collector Road CN2 (Zakari A. Kyari Street), linking Arterial Road N11 (Ahmadu Bello Way) in Mabushi to the Judges Quarters in Katampe—President Tinubu emphasized the importance of infrastructure to national development.

 

Represented by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, the President commended the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, for his effective leadership, transparency, and timely delivery of projects.

 

“This project reflects our administration’s commitment to urban development and improving the quality of life for our citizens,” Tinubu said. “We believe infrastructure development is not a cost but a worthy investment in the people. I commend the Minister and his team for their efficiency and also appreciate CGC Nigeria Limited for executing this project within the stipulated time.”

 

The President pledged continued investment in critical sectors such as roads, housing, healthcare, transportation, and education, assuring Nigerians that the administration is determined to ensure everyone feels the impact of good governance.

 

He urged residents of Mabushi, Katampe, and surrounding communities to safeguard the infrastructure. “We dedicate this road to the youth, workers, and families who will benefit from it. Let us all move forward, united in purpose and belief that a greater Nigeria is possible.”

 

Wike Defends Revenue Drive, Decries Evasion of Ground Rents by the Elite

 

In his remarks, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike defended his administration’s stance on collecting ground rents, clarifying that the recent publication of names of defaulters was not meant to embarrass anyone but to raise funds for infrastructure development.

 

Wike, who also inspected the Judges Quarters and N5 Road in Lifecamp, criticized elite property owners who default on taxes in Nigeria but dutifully meet their obligations abroad.

 

“This project was flagged off in October last year and was scheduled for 12 months, but it has been delivered in 8–9 months. That’s why we say: give contracts to people who can deliver,” Wike said.

 

He noted the sharp increase in property values in the area due to the new road, saying, “Those who own land here are now sitting on property worth N200–N300 million. Development like this is what drives value.”

 

Addressing criticism over the sealing of properties for non-payment of ground rents, Wike said, “You enjoy these roads, water, and lights, but don’t want to pay taxes? That’s not acceptable. Abuja only gets 1% from the federal allocation—barely enough to pay salaries, let alone fund infrastructure.”

 

He continued, “Our monthly salary bill is now over N13 billion, while we get just N8 billion from the Federation Account. Without aggressive revenue collection, we can’t build infrastructure. That’s why we insist on payments—it’s not about politics or embarrassment. It’s about equity.”

 

Wike further called out wealthy Nigerians who delay or evade local tax obligations, despite meeting the same obligations without question in countries like the UK and US.

 

“I will continue to publish the names of those who default. If you can’t meet your responsibilities, don’t expect to enjoy the services. Development is not free,” he concluded.