The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has imposed a ban on street trading in Abuja, asserting that those involved in activities like selling corn and engaging in street hawking are contributing to the rise of insecurity and criminal incidents in the nation’s capital.
Wike, who previously served as the Governor of Rivers State, unveiled this ban while addressing the management staff of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA). He urged them to uphold integrity and take responsible actions.
“Our primary focus is to restore Abuja to its rightful state. My recent observations across Abuja have revealed significant areas of darkness,” Wike stated, emphasizing the urgency of restoring proper lighting.
He underscored the importance of maintaining cleanliness in Abuja, stating, “If you are responsible for sanitation, be prepared to be called upon at any given moment. We cannot allow unregulated motor parks to flourish. Immediate action must be taken. If you are unable to meet the required standards, notify us, and we will make necessary changes.”
While acknowledging the economic challenges, Wike emphasized that hardships should not be an excuse for disorder within the capital city.
Wike elaborated, “Street trading is no longer acceptable. The practice of individuals selling corn and carelessly disposing of waste has led to security concerns. Criminal elements exploit such situations to gather information. To ensure security, we must eliminate street vending.”
He expressed concerns about the proliferation of illegal structures and shanties, terming the situation a crisis. Wike affirmed his commitment to demolishing unauthorized structures, regardless of the status of the individuals responsible for them.
“Development control is a critical matter that requires our immediate attention. The rampant presence of illegal structures and makeshift settlements is untenable. We will take decisive action to dismantle these unauthorized structures, regardless of the social standing of those involved,” Wike firmly stated.