In a bid to address the staggering case load of over 800 litigations involving the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike has enlisted the services of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs).

Wike, while defending the administration’s N61 billion Supplementary Budget before the House of Representatives Committee on the FCT, expressed concern over the lack of diligent prosecution in past cases, leading to substantial losses for the FCT.

“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 will 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 FCT,” Wike stated.

The minister emphasized that the budget components are project-specific, highlighting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is slated to commission significant projects, including the Abuja Metroline, by May, marking the president’s one year in office.

“Mr President will commission the metroline by May. If you look at the national budget, there is a provision for the rail project,” Wike affirmed.

Addressing security concerns, Wike revealed plans to revive the city’s mass transit system to counteract incidents of “one chance.” Private operators, he mentioned, would undergo thorough security vetting before integration into the system. Collaborating with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the State Security Services (SSS), the Administration aims to deploy Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras strategically across the city.

In response to questions about the fate of victims affected by the Administration’s demolition exercises, Wike asserted that demolitions could not be halted as long as illegal developments persist. He clarified that compensation would be provided in areas designated for resettlement.

“We can’t stop demolitions. Illegality is illegality. But if we want to acquire your property for development, we will pay you,” Wike stated firmly.

Additionally, Wike vowed to annul certain Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) that, in the past, allegedly exploited the administration. He cited instances where developers profited without contributing to the Administration’s objectives.

“I will cancel several PPPs. All the PPPs in Abuja are about land and are against the FCT,” he declared.

Speaking on the recertification of Certificates of Occupancy (C of Os), Wike affirmed his commitment to the process, stating that all C of Os would be recertified with the inclusion of National Identification Numbers (NINs). This measure aims to curb fraudulent C of Os in the FCT, enhancing security by linking individuals to specific structures.

The N61 billion FCT Supplementary Budget, funded by the Paris Club refund, PAYE, special presidential intervention, presidential infrastructure support funds, and the territory’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), faced scrutiny by the House Committee on FCT.

Chairman Hon. Muktar Betara commended Wike’s commitment to the territory’s development but urged reconsideration of uniform fees for obtaining Certificates of Occupancy, emphasizing variations based on locality. (Daily Independent)

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