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Wike Enforces Street Trading Ban In FCT, Citing Links To Crime
Something must be done as soon as possible. If you cannot meet up my standard, say it now so that we can change you.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has taken a significant step towards improving the security and overall environment of the nation’s capital by imposing a ban on street trading.
The announcement was made during a meeting with the leadership teams of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).
Wike issued the ban while addressing the leadership teams regarding the connection between street trading, insecurity, and criminal activities in Abuja. He specifically mentioned that corn sellers and street hawkers, who often occupy various public spaces, contribute to the degradation of the city’s security infrastructure.
“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.
“If you are in charge of sanitation, will call you at any time of the day. We shouldn’t allow motor parks all over the place. Something must be done as soon as possible. If you cannot meet up my standard, say it now so that we can change you.
“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 structures. No matter how highly placed, the structure will come down.”