The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has imposed a two-week ban on the activities of Pantekas (sellers of used items) within the territory.
The directive is part of measures taken at the first Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Security Council meeting for 2025, which was presided over by Wike on Monday, January 13, 2025.
The Minister announced that the ban would take effect from Tuesday, January 14, 2025.
“Activities of all Pantekas (sellers of used items) have been banned for two weeks effective from tomorrow,” Wike stated.
Additionally, scavenging within the Abuja city center and surrounding areas has been prohibited, with scavengers now restricted to dump sites.
“Scavenging is banned within the Abuja city centre and its environs. Scavengers are now restricted to dump sites alone,” the Minister said.
Wike also emphasized the administration’s commitment to tackling vandalism of public infrastructure, revealing that those apprehended for such offenses would face stringent legal consequences.
“All those arrested for vandalizing public infrastructure will be charged to court for economic sabotage and even attempted murder,” Wike disclosed.
The announcement was shared in a statement by Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, via Twitter (formerly X).
The measures aim to enhance security and maintain order in the FCT while addressing the challenges posed by unregulated activities in the city.
