The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has banned street vendors in Abuja on the grounds that they are a contributing factor to the rise of crime and instability in the city. This includes street vendors who sell maize.
During a meeting with the management staff of the Federal Capital Territory Administration and the Federal Capital Development Authority, the former governor of Rivers State made this announcement. He urged the management staff to place a higher priority on doing what is ethically sound.
“The most important thing for us to do is to make certain that Abuja is restored to how it should have been. As I explored Abuja, I noticed that most areas are completely dark. I found this to be the case in the majority of the city.
He stated that “what we need to do is to ensure that light comes back as soon as possible.” This is what we need to do.
Wike issued an order for the immediate cleanup of Abuja, adding, “If you are in charge of sanitation, I will call you at any time of the day.”
He issued a stern warning that he would not think twice about dismissing any official whose personal hygiene did not live up to his expectations. In addition to this, he mentioned that unauthorised areas would be off-limits for the operation of car parks.
He went on to say that it was illegal to engage in street trading. People who are selling maize will throw their waste wherever they want, and things like this are what cause insecurity in the area. Criminals use the opportunity to shoplift while also using the visit as a cover to spy on other criminals and pass on information to them. It is absolutely necessary that we remove the street vendors.
“Development control is a major crisis area that needs to be stopped. Why are there buildings that are illegally constructed and shanties everywhere? We will tear down any structure that violates the law. He reiterated that the structure would collapse regardless of how high up it was.
