FCT MINISTER. WIKE

The decision of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to prohibit street trading in the federal capital has been met with significant backlash. This move was announced during a meeting with the management staff of the Federal Capital Territory Administration and Federal Capital Development Authority.


 Wike expressed concern that street traders, including those selling corn, contribute to crime and instability in the city. He emphasized that such trading leads to waste being discarded indiscriminately, which can create security issues.


 Additionally, criminals often exploit these situations to gather information. As part of the initiative, illegal structures and shanties will also be demolished to improve development control. Many Nigerians have expressed their discontent on social media, highlighting the economic hardships faced by citizens due to recent policy changes such as the removal of fuel subsidies. 


They argue that rather than banning street trading, efforts should be made to provide alternative solutions for the traders, such as low-cost shops, to address the concerns while not exacerbating the challenges faced by the population.