From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
House of Representatives has tasked the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory ( FCT), Nyesom Wike give priority to security and improved revenue generation to fund infrastructural development in the territory.
The chairman, House Committee on FCT, Muktar Betara gave the charge, on Wednesday, at the inaugural meeting of the committee.
Betara, while stating that the Committee cannot afford to fail FCT natives and residents, urged members to dedicate their time and energy to the realization of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
The lawmaker, who stated that the oversight function of the committee includes planning and development of FCT, secondary and tertiary education, public transport system and annual budget estimate of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, amongst others. He implored land owners owing ground rent in the FCT, to pay up quickly.
According to him, “Abuja is losing revenue but this Committee will support the Minister to ensure that he gets more revenue for the development of infrastructure in the FCT.
“The Minister has assured us that he will make Abuja work and generate more revenue. Most of the estates in Abuja don’t have title documents; but the Minister has promised to look into this. With the right commitment, documents can be concluded within 14 days.”
However, Wike, who was represented by
Permanent Secretary, FCT, Adesola Olusade, in his response, the demolition of shanties in the Federal Capital is part of efforts to enhance security in the area.
“Some of these shanties have become den of drugs and criminals. The ills and dangers of these shanties far outweigh the benefits, “he stated.