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Senator Wike Advocates for Stricter Laws to Combat Vandalism and Corruption in Land Allocation
During a Ministerial Sectoral Update under the Tinubu Administration, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Barr. Nyesom Wike highlighted the challenge of vandalism to public infrastructure, particularly streetlights and manholes. He emphasized the need for stricter laws to deter such acts.
Minister Wike stated: "We face numerous challenges, including the vandalism of streetlights. These lights are installed one day, only to be vandalized the next. The cables are stolen, and the current penalty upon conviction is a mere N10,000, which is insufficient to deter these criminals."
“We have told NASS to come to our aid amend and make the law tougher , there should be no option of fine and make it difficult for them to pay”
addressing various concerns and challenges facing the territory, the Minister said there is no tussle between FHA and FCT; as he clarified the relationship between the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) and FCT, emphasizing that FCT has oversight functions to ensure development aligns with the masterplan.
Wike assured that converting residential buildings to commercial use without approval will be addressed, and that a Committee is established to address distortions in the masterplan.
“There is no tussle between the Federal Housing Authority, FHA and FCT, FCT gave the land to FHA and all the houses are under FHA. However FCT have the right to oversight function to ensure that development are in line with the masterplan and when I came on board I set up a committee and to ensure that all those that have distorted the masterplan to be fished out”
“If you build for residential but convert to commercial, revert back or we bring it down. You cannot be a leader without stepping on toes, what is important is your conscience , are you doing the right it or not”
Wike also discussed issues with the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), revenue sharing, adding that in the AMAC revenue agreement, FCT receives revenue, and AMAC takes 10% of IGR.
“We have called AMAC and we agreed that the revenue come to FCT and in that way we reduced touting, harassment and double taxation and we will allow you to take 10% of our IGR, so why are you afraid. So allow FCT to do it”
“In a city everyone wants to survive, so you found all these elements from time to time, bear it in man that it is part of our responsibility to push them out but it cannot be immediately”
Wike acknowledged the immense challenges facing the nation’s capital city, from vandalism of public infrastructure to corruption in land allocation.
“One of the most difficult is land, where corruption is predominant, it is one area I have been battling but I will defeat them. Most of these land problems are one, incubeance or the other, double allocations”
The minister also tackled the contentious issue of housing, particularly the scarcity of land. “Corruption is rampant in land allocation,” he admitted. “But I’m determined to defeat it.” Wike announced plans to build a new city, New Hope City, with 10,000 houses and accompanying infrastructure.
He criticized the practice of allocating land to individuals who then sell or allocate it for political gain, rather than the FCT government allocating it directly.
“someone says he wants to build 20,000 house you give him the land, he started selling and allocating the land, why are we not allocating directly to ourselves and the person bring politics. You didn’t ask why FCT stopped it”
However, he expressed optimism, citing the progress made under the current administration. “We have made significant strides in identifying and empowering indigenous people,” he said.
“For the first time, we have an indigenous person as a mandate secretary of an area council, a cabinet minister, and a permanent secretary.”
“We must give this Administration of BAT credit, since the establishment of FCT, it is under this administration that indigenous people were identified and given relevance”
“You have for the first time mandate secretary of area council, you have cabinet minister, permanent secretary, all these are indigenous People”
On developing the Satellite towns, Wike said, efforts are being made to address issues, but patience needed as problems cannot be solved immediately.
“How many months have we been in office it is just 9momths and we cannot solve all the problems at the same time.”
“Continue to pray for the miracle to reach your area,” he said, addressing the long-suffering residents of satellite towns. Wike said:”Even if I’m minister for 200 years, I cannot solve all the problems alone.”
Minister Wike stressed that effective leadership involves making difficult decisions. He assured that his administration is committed to tackling the challenges facing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
While acknowledging the need for patience and understanding, Minister Wike emphasized that addressing all issues concurrently is not feasible.
The Lagos State Government has said it would soon arrange a meeting with developers/owners of distressed buildings on how best to address the redesign and remodelling of such structures by November.
This was disclosed recently by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluyinka Olumide, at a function in Alahusa, Lagos.
Olumide said the prevalence of distressed buildings in different parts of the state was worrisome and needed the urgent attention of all stakeholders.
He said, “The Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development as mandated by the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, 2019, as amended, was willing to extend its responsibility for approving the remodelling of existing buildings to provide technical assistance to developers and owners of distressed buildings, especially on the design and remodelling of such buildings.
The Federal Government has instructed the contractors responsible for the 107km Enugu-Onitsha road dualization to expedite the project.
This directive was given by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, during a meeting with MTN, the Enugu State Government, and the contractors, RCC Ltd and Nigercat Ltd, on Friday.
According to a statement released on Friday, the minister said he is disappointed over the slow pace of work on the project, he said, “Let me express my disappointment over the slow pace of work on that project. It is one of the worst roads in this country.
“Everywhere we have diversion; diverting from the one that RCC and Nigercat had completed, the contractors are not kind enough to even put stone based on the diversion points.”
He added, “So, by the reason of the launching of our Operation Free our Roads, it is now a violation of the policy on the side of the controllers and directors of the Federal Ministry of Works where we have vehicles falling on any project that is ongoing or where there are potholes on our roads.”
He also blamed the sufferings of road users on the lack of commitment and insensitivity of the contractors.
“The public must know that the President’s intention is not for them to suffer while trying to fix the roads, and it is their right to insist that contractors should fix the roads that they are engaged on,” he said.
The Minister commended the Enugu state government for their resolve to fund the construction of a 20 KM section of the road and expressed hope that MTN would execute the second phase of the project.
He noted, “Why the Enugu State government is intervening is because of the slow pace of work by the contractors and because of funding issues. The essence of tax credit is for funds to be made available. And so, I don’t see RCC going to keep their promise to finish this project in 6 months.
“My advice to MTN is to look for another contractor within that axis if they want to get the job done. Division of labour is even the best. While they are doing the road, and if Nigercat is doing a good job, you can give them greater scope to do if you want to finish that job.”
He warned contractors that the Federal Government would not accept phased handovers of projects and has phased out Variation of Price in contract administration.
The Ekiti State government has intervened to resolve a longstanding land dispute between the Elepe of Epe-Ekiti, Oba Ayodele Adesoye, and the Atolagbe family. The government cautioned against the misuse of modernization as an excuse to disregard traditional customs.
In line with the community’s traditions, the government has ordered the release of resources, including palm trees at Oko Oba Farmland, to Oba Adesoye for his administration. This decision ensures the continued adherence to age-old practices.
Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, announced the resolution in Ado-Ekiti. The decision was made after considering the Elepe’s claim to Oko Oba Farmland based on historical evidence.
Mrs. Afuye acknowledged the Elepe’s right to be the custodian of Oko Oba Farmland, citing longstanding traditions that support his claim. The decision reflects the importance of respecting historical practices and ensuring their preservation.
The deputy governor, however, told the monarch in clear terms that other princes and princesses from all the three ruling houses should be allowed to farm on the land without payment of royalty.
Mrs Afuye appealed to the community to comply with the government’s position to restore unity, peace and orderliness to the beleaguered community.
Oba Adesoye expressed gratitude for the government’s decision and pledged to foster peace and unity between the throne and the community, aiming to accelerate Epe’s development.
Representing the Atolagbe family, Dr. Yemi Agbeleoba acknowledged their willingness to cede Oko Oba Farmland to the monarch. However, he emphasized the need for all three ruling houses to participate for a lasting and traditional solution.
Agbeleoba expressed appreciation for the government’s directive, believing it will contribute to resolving the long-standing conflict.
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