The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a fresh warning to car dealers and roadside transport operators carrying out business in unauthorised locations across Abuja.
Wike warned that vehicles belonging to car dealers who continue to operate in green areas and public parks could be impounded and auctioned by the FCT Administration.
He also cautioned transporters who operate along major roads and other unauthorised locations to comply with government directives or face sanctions.
The minister gave the warning during an inspection tour of parts of the nation’s capital, where he expressed concern over continued violations of regulations introduced by the FCT Administration.
According to Wike, the government had repeatedly directed car dealers to vacate green areas and parks, while public transport operators were instructed to move their activities to designated bus terminals.
Despite the warnings, he said some operators had continued to disregard the directives.
Wike maintained that the administration would no longer tolerate such violations, stressing that enforcement measures would be taken against those who refuse to comply.
He further warned that vehicles found in breach of the directives could be seized and subsequently auctioned.
The FCT minister explained that the measures were designed to improve security, reduce traffic-related problems and protect designated green areas across Abuja. The administration is also seeking to address environmental and flooding concerns associated with unregulated activities.
The latest warning forms part of the FCT Administration’s broader efforts to restore order to transportation and commercial activities in the nation’s capital.
Why FCT Is Not Included In State Police Plan
Meanwhile, the Senate has explained why the Federal Capital Territory was excluded from the proposed state police arrangement.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Yemi Adaramodu, said the FCT is constitutionally different from Nigeria’s 36 states because it does not have an elected governor or a state House of Assembly.
Adaramodu explained that the territory is administered by a minister appointed by the Federal Government and operates under the Federal Executive Council.
He noted that legislative responsibilities for the FCT are handled by the National Assembly, while policing remains under the control of the Nigeria Police Force.
The clarification followed ongoing discussions about plans to decentralise policing in Nigeria amid growing calls for the creation of state police.
The Federal Government is currently working on a new national policing framework. The Presidency has said President Bola Tinubu is expected to receive the draft Executive National Policing Bill on September 3.
The development was disclosed by the President’s Chief of Staff and Chairman of the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill, Femi Gbajabiamila, following a meeting of the group at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
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