Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike has declared the “Park and Pay” policy being operated in Abuja as illegal.
Wike made the declaration during a live media parley with journalists on Wednesday in Abuja.
The minister made the declaration while celebrating a year anniversary in office.
Wike noted that the scheme, which had been siphoning government funds under the guise of a legal operation, was brought to his attention by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).
The senior lawyer reportedly informed Wike about individuals attempting to seize cars under the pretext of the ‘Park and Pay’ programme, claiming to represent the Transport Secretariat.
The minister said the policy involved private consultants who pocketed the majority of revenues intended for the government.
He said, “A call from a Senior Advocate brought to light a scheme that has been siphoning government funds under the guise of a legal operation.
“These are things we need to fight within the system. Sometimes, if you don’t bring it to our attention, we may not know. We can’t be everywhere.”
Recounting the conversation he had with the SAN, Wike said, “The Advocate said, ‘Sir, some people came to our office, and they are trying to seize our cars. They claimed to be from the Transport Secretariat.’ I asked him to give the person the phone, and I asked the person, ‘Who are you?’ He said he was from ‘Park and Pay’ from the Transport Secretariat.
“I wasn’t aware of this, so I called the person in charge of it. I asked, ‘Who collects the money?’ Unknown to us, there are agreements between the secretariat and some people who claim to be consultants. So, the consultant takes 80%, and the FCT administration takes 20%.”
Wike declared such activities illegal and assured that immediate steps would be taken to eradicate the ‘Park and Pay’ operation.
He added, “I’m trying to say that it’s illegal, and nothing like that exists. And if my colleague hadn’t called me, I wouldn’t have known.”
