By: Abba Onyekachukwu, Abuja.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has explained that the ongoing demolition of shanties and illegal structures in the nation’s capital is aimed at bolstering security and restoring order. Speaking at his monthly media chat with journalists in Abuja on Monday, September 1, 2025, the Minister emphasized that the exercise is a critical component of the government’s commitment to public safety.
This was contained in a press release from Rabi Musa Umar the Assistant Director Press Office of the Minister on Monday.
Barr. Wike stated that the demolished shanties serve as a hideout for criminals, including those involved in “one-chance” attacks and other security threats. He dismissed claims that the occupants were poor, asserting that criminals often seek out such places to avoid identification. “We cannot joke with security,” he said. “Shanties make it possible for criminals to settle and cause problems in the city. We are going to make sure that all illegal occupants anywhere are thrown out. Security is key.”
The Minister cautioned against using poverty as an excuse for criminal activity, stating, “There is poverty all over the world, but that does not give you room to make people uncomfortable, to kidnap and kill people. Let nobody use that as an excuse.”
On the issue of government providing support for vulnerable individuals, the Minister highlighted that the FCT Administration has established markets for traders, but many choose to sell on the streets, leading to refuse dumping and defacing of the city. He noted that people often take advantage of government amenities without utilizing them properly.
On the provision of shelter for the poor, the Minister described the idea as unsustainable, arguing that the FCT cannot shoulder the responsibility of providing housing for citizens who migrate from their home states. “How can you sustain it? No government provides shelter for all its citizens,” he said, adding that while the government is working to reduce the housing deficit, it cannot be expected to solve the problem entirely.
The Minister also shed light on recent and upcoming project flag-offs in the FCT, announcing a focus on sports, with the flag-off of three projects in the city, including Gwagwalada and Gwarimpa, to encourage youth development and tap into sports as a significant revenue source.
The Minister also announced a new road project scheduled for flag-off on Wednesday in Karu and the construction of a Magistrate Court, to be flagged off tomorrow in Jabi. He urged FCT residents to pay their taxes to boost the administration’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
The Minister expressed his deepest condolences to the family and friends of the late Head of FCTA Civil Service, Mrs. Grace Adayilo, who passed away on Monday, September 1, 2025. He described late Mrs. Adayilo as “very hardworking” and revealed that her tenure as Head of FCTA Civil Service was recently extended by President Tinubu.
