By Wale Olanrewaju
The Ogun State Parks and Garages Development Agency (PAGADA), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the 20 Local Government authorities, to ensure better management of parks and garages, towards improving revenue collection across the State.
Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Gbenga Dairo who made this known during the signing of the MoU in Abeokuta, said the agreement would empower the Agency to implement policies of government in managing parks and garages established by the State and Local Governments.
Engr. Dairo said government was concerned about the condition of its parks and garages, adding that effective reform required would be done to put them in good shape for the benefit of all stakeholders in the transport sector.
“By this MoU, the Local Governments have agreed to enter into an arrangement with PAGADA for the management and control of Parks and Garages. This is a clear indication that the constitutional position of the councils on parks and garages is fully recognised and respected by the State government”, Dairo explained.
He commended the ingenuity of the Transition Committee Chairmen for their understanding and support, calling for the cooperation of other stakeholders in the transportation sector, for successful implementation of the agreement.
On his part, the Chairman, PAGADA, Barr. Abeeb Ajayi, said the terms and conditions under which the parks and garages would be managed had been stated in the MoU with sharing formula that would improve the revenue base of the Local Governments.
“PAGADA shall engage the services of efficient managers and operators for the control and management of the parks and garages, including Parks Access Charges, which are hitherto under the supervision of the Local Governments, with the exception of private parks and garages”, Barr. Ajayi stressed.
Speaking on behalf of other Council Chairmen, the State Chairman, Association of Local Government of Nigeria, Hon. Bola Lawal, appreciated the State government for the initiative, describing it as an opportunity to allow Local Government authorities have inputs in the reform.
