By Faridat Salifu
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has initiated the implementation of his previous warning to dismantle all unauthorized structures within the territory.
On Monday, the renowned Abuja (Area 1) Shopping Complex became the first casualty of the minister’s directive as all illicit shops connected to the market were removed.
This action, according to the FCTA authorities, aims to rejuvenate the appearance of the Area 1 Shopping Complex.
The decision to dismantle these structures was made during a meeting between officials of the Departments of Development Control, Security Service, the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), and the Abuja Investments Company Ltd (AICL) and the traders at the complex last Friday.
Muktar Galadima, the Director of the Department of Development Control, revealed that the move was preceded by discussions with market managers to establish mutual understanding before initiating the cleanup operation.
He emphasized that the congested state of the market posed hygiene and safety risks for both traders and customers.
Galadima further outlined the changes to be implemented, stating that all kilishi and suya sellers would be relocated under a single roof, parking spaces within the market would be eliminated, and a single energy source would replace the multiple generators currently causing air and noise pollution within the market.
He expressed concerns about potential fire hazards within the congested market and the difficulties rescue operations would face in such a scenario. Galadima stressed that the government could not wait for a disaster to occur before taking action.
“We were here last year for a cleanup,” he said, “but this time, it’s different. We will remove all attachments and create parking space within the market. The traffic situation caused by market activities has been a cause of concern, and we will sanitize it in line with Minister Nyesom Wike’s vision for a cleaner FCT.”
Representing the traders, Umar Uba expressed gratitude to the FCTA for the constructive meeting and assured authorities that they would cooperate in sanitizing the market for the benefit of all stakeholders, including customers.