The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has attributed the issue of insecurity and criminal activities in Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja, to street trading and other forms of informal hawking. In response to this concern, Wike announced a ban on street trading within the city.
Wike, the former governor of Rivers State, made this announcement during a meeting with the management staff of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) on Tuesday. He stressed the need for a collective effort to ensure that Abuja regains its desired state.
While addressing the meeting, Wike emphasized the significance of maintaining a clean and organized city. He expressed his dissatisfaction with the prevailing lack of adequate street lighting in many areas of Abuja, indicating that restoring proper illumination is a priority.
Wike’s comments underscored the importance of upholding sanitation standards within the city. He emphasized that individuals responsible for sanitation should be reachable at any time to address concerns promptly.
The minister also underscored the need to curtail the proliferation of motor parks across the city. He urged for immediate action to rectify this situation and emphasized that those unable to meet the established standards for cleanliness and organization would be replaced.
Addressing the issue of street trading, Wike acknowledged that times may be challenging but stressed that this should not serve as an excuse for lawlessness. He indicated that street trading contributes to security risks as waste is often left indiscriminately, creating an environment for criminal activities to thrive. The sale of goods on the streets, especially perishables like corn, attracts potential criminals who exploit the opportunity to gather information and engage in illicit activities.
Furthermore, Wike identified development control as a critical area of concern. He expressed his commitment to demolishing illegal structures and shanties, regardless of the individuals involved. The minister’s stance reflects his determination to enforce proper city planning and urban development regulations.
As the FCT Minister takes decisive steps to address these issues, the ban on street trading and the emphasis on sanitation and development control are expected to contribute to the restoration of Abuja’s security, cleanliness, and overall urban quality.
