Federal Capital Territory Minister Vows to Collect Over N34 Billion Owed to Administration

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister, Nyesom Wike, has taken a firm stance against debtors who owe the FCT administration a whopping sum of N34 billion. In a recent meeting with members of the House of Representatives Adhoc Committee to Investigate Failure of Mass Transportation in Nigeria, Wike made it clear that those who fail to pay their ground rents will have their properties revoked and reallocated to individuals willing to fulfill their financial obligations.

Wike expressed frustration with those who enjoy the perks of living in a vibrant city like Abuja while avoiding their financial responsibilities. He warned that he would not tolerate individuals who want to take advantage of the city's amenities without contributing their fair share. The minister announced that a list of ground rent defaulters would be published shortly, and a grace period of two weeks would be granted for payment compliance.

Hoping to address the issue of abandoned projects, Wike emphasized the importance of tying projects to the FCT's internally generated revenue (IGR). By doing so, the minister aims to ensure contractors receive their owed payments on an annual basis, thus preventing the abandonment of critical infrastructure projects.

In his discussion of public transportation, Wike made a distinction between Abuja and Lagos. He attributed Lagos' success in this area to its status as a state, while Abuja functions more like a state. Wike criticized the poor budgetary provisions allocated to the FCT, which hinder its ability to effectively manage and improve public transportation.

During the meeting, Wike also revealed plans to overhaul the Abuja Urban Mass Transport Company (AUMTCO), which has been loaning out its buses for purposes unrelated to transportation without proper maintenance. Wike stressed that the efficient operation of government-owned businesses is everyone's concern and should not be taken lightly.

Additionally, the minister disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had approved N2 billion in subsidy program palliatives for the FCT. With transportation as his key focus, Wike expressed his dedication to ensuring the funds are utilized effectively to improve mass transportation in Abuja.

Addressing the issue of unpaid contractors, Wike noted that the FCT was indebted to contractors for approximately N1 trillion in relation to various projects. He declared that no new projects would be initiated until existing projects were completed. Wike emphasized the need for unity, explaining that every stakeholder must take responsibility for their roles and contribute to the successful development of the FCT.

As the chairman of the House of Representatives Adhoc Committee, Afam Victor Ogene, highlighted the need for solutions to mass transportation challenges in Nigeria, specifically within the FCT. The committee's visit to the minister was propelled by the concerns surrounding the allocation of over N16 billion through the Sure-P program, which had failed to yield desired results.

With an ambitious agenda and a determination to recover outstanding debts and reinvigorate the transportation system, Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory minister, aims to bring about tangible changes and instill accountability within the FCT administration.

Source of content: OOO News 2023-09-06 News

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