The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, revealed plans on Wednesday for the commissioning of the Abuja Metro Line train service in May 2024. He made this announcement while addressing the House of Representatives Committee on the FCT to defend the administration’s N61bn Supplementary Budget. Wike added that the project’s commissioning by President Bola Tinubu will coincide with his administration’s one-year mark in office.
During the session, the minister also highlighted the administration’s efforts to address over 800 cases against the FCTA. He expressed concerns over previous inadequate prosecution, leading to the loss of numerous cases. Wike alleged collusion of certain officials with plaintiffs to obtain judgments against the FCTA. In response, he emphasized the engagement of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) to handle these legal challenges more effectively.
“I have never seen a territory with over 800 litigations. Some of these litigations were in connivance with staff of the FCT. So, I said I would engage SANs because I don’t want a situation whereby someone will go to court and then agree with the plaintiffs and judgment is entered against the FCTA,” said Wike.
The minister also clarified that the budget components are projects-specific, with many expected to be completed for President Tinubu’s commissioning as part of activities to mark his one year in office.
Addressing security concerns, Wike pledged to revive the city’s mass transit system to combat “one chance” robbery cases. He indicated that private operators would undergo security vetting before being integrated into the system. Additionally, he highlighted collaborations with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the State Security Service (SSS) to deploy Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) in strategic locations across the city.
On the contentious issue of demolition, the minister stood firm on the administration’s stance, stating that unplanned and illegal developments could not be condoned. He reiterated that demolitions would continue for constructions in unauthorized areas, but assured compensation in designated resettlement zones.
“We can’t stop demolitions. You cannot go and build in a green area…you want us to compensate you. Illegality is illegality. But if we want to acquire your property for development, we will pay you,” Wike emphasized.
Furthermore, Wike pledged to revoke certain Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) made by the administration, citing misuse leading to substantial financial losses. He echoed his commitment to cancelling several PPPs which he alleged had exploited the administration financially, particularly focusing on land-related ventures in Abuja.
The N61bn FCT Supplementary Budget, as reported by City & Crime, draws from various sources including the Paris Club Refund, PAYE, N5bn special presidential intervention for states, the presidential infrastructure support funds, and the territory’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
While commending the minister for his dedication to the territory’s development, Chairman of the House Committee on FCT, Muktar Betara, urged a reconsideration of uniform fees for obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O). He pointed out that high-end areas like Asokoro, Maitama, and Wuse should have distinct fee structures from the satellite towns.
The upcoming commissioning of the Abuja Metro Line signifies a significant milestone for the FCT, with the reassurances and plans outlined by Minister Nyesom Wike demonstrating the administration’s commitment to infrastructural development and legal reform, as well as financial transparency and accountability.
