Wike bans used items markets, scavenging activities in FCT

By Johnson Umishi

The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has banned used goods markets (‘Panteka’) and restricted scavenging activities to dump sites in Abuja.

The two-week prohibition begins January 14, 2025, as part of efforts to curb infrastructure vandalism and enhance urban security and cleanliness. Offenders will face severe legal consequences.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced a temporary two-week ban on the operation of used goods markets, commonly known as “Panteka,” across Abuja. This directive, set to begin on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, also restricts scavenging activities within the city center and nearby areas.

The decision was revealed during a recent FCT Security Council meeting and emphasized the government’s commitment to improving security and curbing public infrastructure vandalism. According to Wike, scavengers, who are often linked to these acts of vandalism, will now only be permitted to operate at designated dump sites.

Addressing the issue, Wike stated that anyone caught vandalizing government property would face legal action, with charges ranging from economic sabotage to attempted murder. The move highlights the administration’s zero-tolerance approach to protecting public assets and enhancing urban safety.

The minister’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, shared details of the new measures on social media, urging compliance from all stakeholders. Wike’s decision has sparked discussions about its potential impact on those who rely on these markets and scavenging for livelihood.

This latest directive aligns with Wike’s broader agenda of addressing insecurity and maintaining order in the Federal Capital Territory, emphasizing that safeguarding public resources and infrastructure remains a top priority for his administration.

The coming weeks will reveal how these measures influence security and economic activities within Abuja.