The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that no individual or group is exempt from paying taxes in Abuja, stating firmly that tax evaders will be held accountable regardless of their status.

 

Wike made this known on Thursday while delivering the 2025 Distinguished Personality Lecture at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State. The lecture was themed “The Nigeria of Our Dreams.”

 

In his address, the minister emphasized that effective leadership requires courage, not popularity, especially in making decisions that benefit the country as a whole.

 

“Leadership is not about you liking someone. It is about being courageous enough to take decisions that will help us move forward as a nation,” he said.

 

 

 

Wike reiterated his administration’s commitment to enforcing tax compliance across the FCT, stressing that the era of impunity and selective enforcement was over.

 

“I’m not the first FCT Minister. No poor man lives in Maitama, Wuse 2, Asokoro — all these are areas for the rich. No poor man does business in the Central Business District.

They say they are untouchable — I say no! If you don’t pay tax, I will touch you. Heaven will not fall, it will rather be at peace,” Wike declared.

 

 

 

He also urged Nigerians, including the opposition, to support leaders during difficult times, noting that destructive criticism undermines collective progress.