Nyesom Wike, Nigeria’s Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has announced plans to demolish all shanties in Abuja to ensure the security of lives and properties in the capital city. Wike made this known during a visit to a shanty village in the Wuye area of Abuja, citing security concerns and the need to prevent hoodlums from occupying the area ¹.
The Minister expressed concerns about the security implications of having settlements with no identifiable occupants in the FCT and stated that the government would not succumb to threats or blackmail from any quarter. However, he directed the occupants of the Wuye shanty village to appoint representatives to meet with the FCT Ministry to discuss assistance.
Abba Garu, speaking on behalf of the occupants, pleaded with the government to provide shelter assistance, acknowledging that they had erected temporary structures on unoccupied land and had lived there for years. He assured that the occupants would not rebuild their houses as they had done previously.
Wike’s announcement comes amidst ongoing efforts to address insecurity and promote development in the FCT. The Minister has been working to improve the city’s infrastructure and services, and the demolition of shanties is seen as a key step in achieving this goal.
Key Points:
- Demolition of Shanties: Nyesom Wike announces plans to demolish all shanties in Abuja.
- Security Concerns: Wike cites security implications of having settlements with no identifiable occupants.
- Assistance to Occupants: Wike directs occupants to appoint representatives to discuss assistance.
- Government’s Position: Wike asserts that the government will not succumb to threats or blackmail.
