The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced a two-week ban on used items markets, known as ‘Panteka’, in the FCT. This ban will take effect from Tuesday, January 14, 2025.
Wike made the announcement during a meeting of the FCT Security Council, which was shared in a post on X by his media aide, Lere Olayinka.
The minister also placed a ban on scavenging activities within the city of Abuja. From now on, scavengers will only be allowed to operate at designated dump sites.
The statement added, “Activities of all Pantekas (sellers of used items) have been banned for two weeks effective from tomorrow. Scavenging is banned within the Abuja city centre and its environs. Scavengers are now restricted to dump sites alone.”
Additionally, the minister warned that anyone caught vandalizing public infrastructure would face serious charges. “All those arrested for vandalizing public infrastructure will be charged to court for economic sabotage and even attempted murder,” the statement concluded.
