Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has declared the ‘Park and Pay’ policy in Abuja illegal.
Gatekeepers News reports that Wike declared during a live media conversation with journalists on Wednesday in Abuja.
The minister made the declaration while celebrating a year anniversary since he assumed office, in a significant move against corruption in the state.
Wike noted that the scheme, which has 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 had informed Wike about individuals attempting to seize cars under the pretext of the ‘Park and Pay’ program, 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 his conversation 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. 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 residents that immediate steps would be taken to eradicate the ‘Park and Pay’ operation.
He added, “I’m trying to say it’s illegal, and nothing like that exists. And if my colleague hadn’t called me, I wouldn’t have known.”
