Tinubu urges FCT residents, business owners to pay tax, ground rent

President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, urged residents, business owners and developers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to pay tax, clear their ground rents and land fees.

Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, made the call during the inauguration of Highway FCT 105 (Kuje Road) from Airport Expressway to Kuje Town, held on Thursday in Abuja.

He assured that his administration would not rest until the dividends of democracy are equitably distributed across the FCT, its satellite towns and the entire country.

The President also promised balanced infrastructure and socio-economic development across the city center and the nation’s capital’s suburbs.

He said that the FCT must grow as one body, with every district and every community feeling the pulse of national renewal.

Tinubu highlighted the significance of the nation’s airport corridor, noting that beyond being just a passage, it was the handshake of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He said that his administration would continue to pursue the kind of “roads, brighter streets, safer corridors, cleaner surroundings, improved drainage, and modern facilities that befit the capital of Africa’s largest democracy.

” My administration will continue to extend positive developments and improve municipal services outward to the area councils, ensuring peripheral districts feel the impact of the government.

” We shall not rest until the airport and its neighbouring communities become models of order, hospitality, and opportunity.

“We shall not rest until the dividends of democracy are equitably distributed across the territory, from the ceremonial heart of Abuja to the settlements that sustain its daily life.”

The President justified why communities around the airport must not be treated as forgotten settlements beside national monuments.

According to him, the airport road settlements are home to families, workers, traders, farmers, civil servants, students, and entrepreneurs whose lives must reflect the promise of the capital they inhabit.

“When the road to the airport works, the economy breathes better. When the communities around it are connected, the people feel seen.

” When the first mile into a nation is dignified, the visitor’s first impression is shaped by order, not by anxiety,” he added.

Tinubu, who commended the FCT Minister, Ezenwo Wike, for making the dream a reality, described him as a trusted hand for the realisation of his administration’s pledge to make the FCT habitable and to make available to all parts of the territory what is available to the inner-city residents.

“He has taken this assignment with the urgency it deserves, and he has shown that leadership is best measured by completed work, not by decorated files.

“I commend him, the FCT Administration, the engineers, consultants, contractors, and all who brought this project to completion,” he added.

The President implored FCT residents around the airport communities to protect the road as a shared inheritance.

According to him, a public asset is a covenant between government and citizens.

Earlier, Wike said the completion of the Kuje expressway has restored hope to residents and opened up the area for greater economic and social development.

He recalled that when the current FCT Administration assumed office, insecurity and poor infrastructure were major concerns in Kuje and other area councils.

He explained that extensive consultations were held with traditional rulers, political leaders and other stakeholders across the six Area Councils to identify their most pressing needs.

The minister said that the Kuje expressway was one of the key requests made by community leaders.

According to him, community leaders appealed to the administration to revive the abandoned project and improve access to the area.

The minister said the road would significantly reduce travel time between Kuje and the Abuja city centre, stimulate economic activities and increase property values in the area.

Also, the Minister of State for FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmud, described the ongoing infrastructure development across the territory as a significant demonstration of  Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

She commended the President for his unwavering support to the FCT Administration, which has enabled the execution of projects aimed at improving the lives of residents.

For his part, the Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority FCDA), Richard Dauda, explained that the contract was awarded in 2022.

He added that it was designed to connect several major roads and provide links to other highways across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Nasarawa State.

Dauda noted that the project extends beyond road construction, incorporating drainage systems and bridges to enhance connectivity and provide an alternative route to Gwagwalada and other parts of the FCT.

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