The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr Nyesom Wike, has made a strong commitment to collect the outstanding debt owed to the FCT Administration, amounting to over N34 billion. Wike expressed this determination while addressing the House of Representatives Adhoc Committee to Investigate Failure of Mass Transportation in Nigeria during their visit to his office in Abuja on Tuesday.
Wike warned allottees who owe the Administration for ground rents that they must either fulfill their payment obligations or face the revocation of their properties. The revocations would allow the properties to be reallocated to individuals who are able and willing to pay. According to Wike, he has meticulously calculated the debt owed in ground rents, which totals about N34 billion, and he intends to collect every single penny.
"I don't care, all I want is for the rent to be paid," Wike emphasized. He further revealed that a list of people required to pay their ground rent would be published on Thursday, providing them with a two-week grace period. Those who fail to make the payments within the stipulated time frame will have their properties revoked.
Minister Wike firmly stated, "People want to live in a beautiful city but don't want to pay their dues; which is impossible."
When questioned about the reason for the success of public transportation in Lagos compared to its failure in Abuja, Wike explained that although Lagos is a state, the FCT operates similarly to a state. However, the budgetary provisions for the FCT are inadequate in comparison.
Regarding the Abuja Urban Mass Transport Company (AUMTCO), Wike declared his intention to overhaul the entire system. He also revealed that President Bola Tinubu approved N2 billion for palliatives in the FCT through the federal government's subsidy program. Wike's main concern was transportation, and he expressed his desire to determine the progress made so far.
Chairman of the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee, Afam Victor Ogene reassured Wike of their support in finding solutions to the inadequate mass transportation system in the FCT. Ogene acknowledged that over N16 billion had already been invested through the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Program (SURE-P), yet the issues persist. He believes that addressing the transportation system will also help reduce cases of "one chance" operators in the city.
This resolute stance taken by Minister Nyesom Wike to collect the outstanding debts owed to the FCT Administration showcases his commitment to improving the mass transportation system in Abuja. By revoking the properties of defaulting allottees and reallocating them to those who are willing to pay, Wike aims to ensure that necessary services are provided and that the FCT develops as a truly beautiful city.
Source of content: OOO News 2023-09-06 News
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