…bans street trading in FCT, restates threat to demolish all illegal structures
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday, prohibited street vending in the Federal Capital Territory, saying street traders, including those selling corn, are behind crime and instability in the city.
Wike gave this order during a meeting with the management staff of the Federal Capital Territory Administration and Federal Capital Development Authority, saying they should make what is right their priority.
He said, “The important thing we must do is to ensure that Abuja is back to what it ought to be. I moved around Abuja and found out there is total darkness in most of the places.
“What we need to do is to ensure light comes back as soon as possible.”
He also ordered the immediate cleanup of Abuja, saying, “If you are in charge of sanitation, I will call you at any time of the day.”
The FCT Minister warned that he would not hesitate to remove any official who is not meeting his standards of cleanliness, adding that motor parks would not be allowed to operate in unauthorised areas.
Wike stated, “Street trading is prohibited. People selling corn will drop their waste indiscriminately and these are the things that cause insecurity. Criminals come to buy and use the opportunity to spy and give information to criminals. It is imperative we clear street hawkers.
“Development control is a serious crisis area we have to stop. Why are there illegal structures and shanties everywhere? We will demolish any illegal structure. No matter how highly placed, the structure will come down.”