The Federal Capital Territory Administration and a group of concessionaires have signed an agreement to recommence the On-Street Parking, otherwise known as the “park-and-pay” scheme in Abuja.
The PUNCH had reported that the Federal Executive Council in May 2023, approved the park-and-pay policy in Zone A (Wuse II and Utako), with NAJEC Limited as its concessionaire, and an expected revenue of N11.875billion; and in Zone B (Maitama and Garki 1), with its concessionaire as Messrs. Automaten Technik Bauman Nigeria Limited, with an expected revenue of N15.05 billion; both of which were awarded at a combined N908.3 billion for a 10-year term each.
The FCTA Permanent Secretary, Olusade Adesola, who signed the agreement on behalf of the Administration, on Saturday, said the move was to promote a culture of orderliness and organisation, adding that the initiative will decongest the city and make motoring a more pleasant experience.
He explained that under the scheme, parking lots will be provided for motorists, while those who indulge in wrong parking will be fined.
Adesola said the reintroduction of the scheme was with the consent of the six area councils, noting however that implementation will not begin until residents had been fully sensitised and enlightened about the scheme.
“So, while the agreement is being signed today, the commencement of the park and pay is not starting today.
“The communication that should precede the implementation of the project is that the citizens need to know that we are signing on-street parking. A lot of activities will follow. There will be robust stakeholder engagement; the operators will visit key institutions and will engage residents through electronic and print media.
“This is to ensure that people are sensitised and above all, to be aware that there will be a period of free parking, just for people to know how to use the facility,” he said.
Earlier, Wadata Bodinga, director of Traffic Management, Transportation Secretariat of the FCTA noted that the increasing population growth in the FCT was accompanied by congestion and traffic challenges, which in turn led to haphazard parking, increased parking competition, and traffic congestion.
He said that the scheme would impact positively on the economic activities of FCT residents, by improving customer experience and promoting efficient parking management systems.
“The FCTA gazetted Federal Capital Territory Parking Scheme, 2019, with the accompanying guidelines, provides a legal basis for the implementation of the on-street parking scheme.
“This will increase the safety and security of vehicles and pedestrians, reduce traffic and pollution, and improve the aesthetic of the urban city and workplace for the motoring public.
“It will also be cost-effective because people can access parking spaces very easily when coming into the city and reach their destination within work hours. It will equally improve traffic management, cleaner, and safer environment with a positive effect on health,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chairman of NAJEC Nigeria Limited, Nebolisa Igboka, commended the FCTA for reintroducing the scheme, noting that with the evolving urban landscape, it was crucial to strike a balance between modernisation and convenience while ensuring the well-being of residents.
“Our records previously, when the policy was being implemented years ago, indicated that sanity was restored on FCT roads, in addition to reduced cases of car theft. As we navigate through the evolving urban landscape, it is crucial to strike a balance between modernization and convenience, while ensuring the well-being of our community.”
