Wike Battles Tax Evaders In Abuja Seeks Daily Prayers

Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has urged Nigerians to pray for him daily, revealing that he faces intense pressure from powerful individuals who resist government efforts to enforce laws, especially on taxation.

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Speaking during his monthly media chat in Abuja, Wike said these elites see themselves as untouchable and often use media channels to present themselves as defenders of the poor.

LIST OF APPLICATIONS FOR REGULARISATION OF AREA COUNCIL LAND DOCUMENTS NULLIFIED/CANCELLED BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF FCT

He questioned the sincerity of wealthy residents in upscale areas like Maitama, Wuse, and the Central Business District who complain about government policies while evading taxes. Wike noted that few ordinary Nigerians live or run businesses in these prime districts, yet the voices protesting reforms often claim to speak for the masses. He challenged Nigerians to ask who truly benefits from the current system and who is really being affected by efforts to implement accountability.

LIST OF APPLICATIONS FOR REGULARISATION OF AREA COUNCIL LAND DOCUMENTS NULLIFIED/CANCELLED BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF FCT

The minister pointed to the example of developed countries where taxation is a serious national duty, even comparing the consequences of tax evasion abroad to those of criminal offenses. He said Nigeria cannot meet its financial needs if the wealthy continue to avoid taxes while expecting uninterrupted public services.

Wike also opened up about the emotional weight of taking unpopular but necessary decisions in the face of elite pushback. According to him, those in power who insist on doing the right thing often face backlash, false narratives, and orchestrated public criticism. He said many of these reactions are not from genuine citizens but from those hired to resist change.

He encouraged Nigerians to dig deeper into who is opposing reforms and why, especially when those objections come from people in privileged positions. The minister’s remarks come as the FCT intensifies efforts to generate more internal revenue and enforce compliance in areas that have long operated outside the reach of tax enforcement.