News

Reps C’ttee Queries Abuja Park and Pay Arrangement, 60% Revenue Share To Concessionaires

Published

4 months ago

July 25, 2024

By Gloria Ikibah

The house of representatives has berated the Park and Pay arrangement of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) which was stopped by a court of law in 2014 but reintroduced in 2023.

In an interactive session with the Mandate Secretary of Transport Secretariat, on Tuesday in Abuja, the House Committee on Federal Capital Territory stated that residents and motorists are being harassed by those employed to enforce the policy.

Naijablitznews.com reports that the FCTA reintroduced the park and pay policy into the nation’s capital in August, 2023, after signing an agreement with two concessionaires. The policy was aimed at decongesting the city and make motoring a more pleasant experience.

Naijablitznews.com recalled that the policy was suspended in April 2014 after a high court judgement stopped the FCTA from collecting fees from residents for on-and-off the street parking within the metropolis, the court ruled that the policy was not backed by law.

Chairman of the Committee, Muktar Betara, directes details on how the reintroduced park and pay arrangement was established, who authorised it, and how remittances are made to the coffers of the FCDA be made available to the committee.

Responding, Elechi said the policy is regulated and supported by a legal framework and that only designated areas serve as parking zones.

“The park and pay is by regulation. We have legal framework. It is part of the ways of controlling traffic. So, under the part and pay, designated areas are meant to be parks. So, it is legal.

“It is (revenue) paid through concessionaires. There is usually a ration between the concessionaires and the FCT. So, for areas where we have the concessionaires, there is a percentage that goes to the concessionaires. It is 60 percent and 40 percent goes to FCT. The infrastructures for the work is usually provided by the concessionaire. It (revenue) goes straight to the revenue account of the FCT not transportation”, he said.

The Chairman further queried the contract process, “How was the contract established? In appointing your concessionaires, what procedure did you follow? How much has been remitted to the FCDA from January to date Who gave you the approval” Betara asked.

In response, Director of Legal Services, Hussaina Olayemi, explained that the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) and Abuja Investment Company (AIC), and all FCT organisation responsible for public-private partnerships, were involved.

“After their involvement, the concession was submitted to the federal executive council (FEC) for approval. So, we have the FEC approval,” Olayemi stated.

The committee queried the FCDA for allocating 60 percent of revenue to concessionaires while the government receives only 40 percent, demanding clarification on what infrastructure the concessionaires are providing.

But the Mandate Secretary stated that the concessionaire w

s responsible for marking roads. However, the committee chair countered, asserting that no roads in Abuja have been marked by the concessionaire.

“They way they (concessionaires) operate in Abuja, they harass people on the streets. Il would have advised you people to have given the VIO this concessionaire. Let them take up this so that the whole revenue would go to FCT. Why are you personalizing this for an individual,” Betara said.

The committee ruled that, on the next appearance, the mandate secretary should bring a copy of the agreement with the concessionaires and details of the remittances received from January to date.

ABANDONED MOTOR PARKS

The committee also questioned the FCDA officials over abandoned motor parks in the nation’s capital.

A member of the committee, Paschal Agbodike, expressed concerns over the condition of the Nyanya park.

“When motorists don’t have parks, they operate anyhow. We noticed that the Nyanya park has been abandoned. When are you going to address this, and what caused its abandonment? he asked.

In response, Elechi said the park has not been abandoned, and that government was taking one project at time, with initial focus on rails.

“Nyanya park is not abandoned. We cannot do everything at the same time. When we came on board, the rail was a priority, but now our attention has shifted to the development of parks. We are currently focusing fully on the bus terminal,” he said.

The committee also sought details on the financial allocations and expenditures for various projects. However, the transport officials struggled to provide concrete figures.

Rep. Kama Nkemkanma pressed for specifics on the budget for road mapping from the airport to the city center, while Betara questioned the transport director about the funds provided in 2022 and 2023.

The Mandate Secretary and Director of Finance could not provide specific figures on the various projects.

“It is quite unfortunate that everybody keeps saying they can’t remember the figure. You are the CEO. It is not good for us, and it is not good for the committee and your agency. We are talking about Nyanya park here, and a lot of money has been expended, but there is nothing to show for it. Even the committee knows how much was budgeted for this particular project. This does not speak well. If you don’t know the figures, how then can you manage the whole of Abuja? It’s impossible,” Nkemkanma said

The committee directed that a a comprehensive report detailing the total budget and expenditures for the years 2022, 2023, and 2024 be made available to facilitate proper scrutiny and oversight.

News

HoR to lead historic march, other Key initiatives against gender-based violence

Published

1 minute ago

November 23, 2024

Naijablitznews

In commemoration of this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the House of Representatives will lead a landmark march on Monday, November 25, 2024, along with other strategic activities as part of its unwavering commitment to eradicating gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria.

This was contained in a statement issued by the HoR spokesperson, Rotimi Akin, Jr on Saturday.

According to him the march, which starts at 8:00 AM, will bring together over 1,000 participants – including Representatives and members of the public – on a symbolic walk from the National Assembly to the Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force.

This demonstration of solidarity will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action to safeguard vulnerable populations and ensure accountability for perpetrators of GBV.

“This march and the associated activities are not just symbolic gestures, they reflect our resolve and call to action against gender-based violence head-on,” said Hon. Abbas Tajudeen,, Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“We stand united in the fight to protect the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable. Together, through collective action and legislative reforms, we can build a society where safety, justice, and equality prevail.”

Beyond the march, the 10th House of Representatives in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023 – 2027) has outlined *key activities to sustain awareness and action throughout the 16 Days of Activism:*

1. *Sash Demonstration Ceremony* – Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Members of the House will don orange sashes, symbolising solidarity with the fight against GBV, during plenary sessions throughout the campaign period.

2. *Convergence of State Assembly Speakers* – Monday, December 9, 2024
A strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative strategies for combating GBV nationwide.

3. *National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 -* Tuesday, December 10, 2024
This summit will conclude the 16 Days of Activism with discussions on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives championed by the House.

The House of Representatives invites all Nigerians to *participate in this historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024.* Participants will receive orange T-shirts—the official colour of the United Nations campaign to end violence against women—symbolising hope for a future free of violence.

*Details of the March:*

• *Date:* Monday, November 25, 2024
• *Time:* 8:00 AM
• *Starting Point:* Speaker’s Car Park, National Assembly
• *End Point:* Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Headquarters

Gender-based violence continues to devastate families and communities across Nigeria. The 10th House of Representatives however, remains steadfast in driving systemic reforms, fostering collaboration, and championing accountability to address this pervasive issue.

Together, let us take a decisive stand for justice, equality, and the protection of human rights, paving the way for a safer, more equitable Nigeria.

News

Police rescue abducted Emirates Airlines Airport Services Manager

Published

6 minutes ago

November 23, 2024

Naijablitznews

The Ghana Police Service has announced that Sylvia Patience Baah, the Airport Services Manager of Emirate Airlines in Accra, who was kidnapped has been rescued.

The Police said the victim is currently reunited with her family.

“The Ghana Police Service would like to state that the victim of the alleged kidnapping, Sylvia Patience Baah, the Airport Services Manager of Emirate, Airlines in Accra, has been rescued and reunited with her family.” The Police said in a statement.

According to the Police, a team of Police medical officers and clinical psychologists have been assigned to assist the family to ensure that everything is in a perfect condition and assured the family and the general public that the suspect will be arrested and face the law

“Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has spoken to the victim and her family and they are in good spirits. A team of Police medical officers and clinical psychologists have been assigned to assist the family during this critical time.” Part of the statement read.

Transparent, Rewarding!
The victim was allegedly kidnapped by an unknown men on Thursday ,November 21, 2024 night.

Below is the full statement:

KIDNAPPED VICTIM, SYLVIA PATIENCE BAAH RESCUED

The Ghana Police Service would like to state that the victim of the alleged kidnapping, Sylvia Patience Baah, the Airport Services Manager of Emirate Airlines in Accra, has been rescued and reunited with her family.

The Police are currently continuing the search for the suspects behind this incident and we want to assure the public that we will surely bring them to face justice.

We would like to take the opportunity to thank all those who gave us pieces of information in the course of our rescue operations in particular and the public in general for their support and cooperation.

Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has spoken to the victim and her family and they are in good spirits. A team of Police medical officers and clinical psychologists have been assigned to assist the family during this critical time.

News

Wike Aide to Ugochinyere : You’re a political misfit in Hushpuppi’s mode

Published

25 minutes ago

November 23, 2024

Naijablitznews

…a ‘Ghana must go bag’ specialist

Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has described Imo Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu, a federal lawmaker as a political misfit in the mode of ‘Hushpuppi’
and a product of the internal aberrations within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Olayinka’s comments followed Ugochinyere’s recent allegations that Wike and other members of the G5 governors are determined to destroy the PDP.

While appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, Ugochinyere accused Wike and former governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) of working against the PDP’s interests.

In response, Olayinka, in a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, criticized Ugochinyere’s political trajectory and alleged motivations.

Olayinka slammed Ugochinyere as a product of the PDP’s structural flaws, claiming he lacks the moral authority to question the loyalty of seasoned party members.

He stated, “This is what happens when someone who joined the PDP yesterday is given the party’s ticket today. If the PDP had functioned properly, a ‘Political Hushpuppi’ like Ugochinyere would never have emerged as its candidate while still affiliated with another party.”

He further alleged that despite being elected on the PDP platform, Ugochinyere maintains ties to his former party, the Action Peoples Party (APP), which he reportedly uses to exploit political opportunities, particularly in Rivers State.

Olayinka also mocked Ugochinyere for allegedly fabricating political titles to sustain his political relevance.

He claimed Ugochinyere has been parading himself as the “Spokesperson of Opposition Lawmakers Coalition in the 10th National Assembly,” a position that does not officially exist.

“In saner climes, such behavior would be met with legal consequences. CUPP is not a registered political party, and there is no record of a coalition of opposition lawmakers appointing him to any position,” Olayinka said.

Olayinka alleged that Ugochinyere uses his APP platform and the self-assigned title to leverage resources from Rivers State, calling his activities “political hustling” and a consistent pattern of exploitation.

“Whether he is using his former party, APP, or his so-called opposition lawmakers’ coalition, his goal has always been the same — to ‘cash out.’ It’s unfortunate that this kind of character continues to thrive in our political system,” he added.

Olayinka advised Ugochinyere to redirect his energy toward serving his constituents, noting that they have expressed dissatisfaction with his performance. “Instead of obsessing over Wike and the G5, he should focus on fulfilling his legislative duties to prevent his constituents from passing further votes of no confidence against him,” he said.

The back-and-forth underscores the tensions within the PDP and the broader political discourse about loyalty, representation, and integrity in Nigeria’s political landscape.