The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Bar. Nyesom Wike, to adopt a balanced and compassionate approach to enforcing development measures, including revenue drive in the nation’s capital city, Abuja.
The call was coming at the heels of the recent sealing of strategic government and private landed property over nonpayment of tenement rates, by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
A statement by National President of the NUJ, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, while commending the minister’s commitment to infrastructural development and internally generated revenue (IGR) drives aimed at transforming the capital city, however expressed concerns over the current revenue enforcement methods.
The journalists’ body warned that implementing heavy financial demands amid prevailing economic hardships could threaten the welfare of ordinary citizens and the broader economy. “The recent sealing of hotels and businesses, though understood as a push for compliance, raises fears about possible business closures, job losses, and a weakening local economy,” it said.
The NUJ advised the FCT Administration to ensure that all enforcement actions, especially those involving ground rent collection and property seizures, are conducted strictly in line with due process and legal frameworks.
It cautioned against any perceived arbitrary moves that could foster uncertainty, discourage investment, and weaken public trust.
The union which highlighted the possible negative implications for Nigeria’s image abroad if enforcement measures are seen to trample on citizens’ rights or bypass democratic procedures said “development in the FCT must reflect empathy, respect for human rights, and unshaken adherence to the rule of law…”
