Wike Issues Fresh Ultimatum To Abuja Car Dealers, Roadside Transporters

Car dealers operating in green areas and parks across Abuja risk having their vehicles impounded and auctioned, while roadside transporters could also face enforcement action for violating directives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration.

The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, issued the warning during an inspection tour, expressing concern over the continued activities of some car dealers and transport operators in restricted areas despite repeated government directives.

Wike said the FCT Administration had repeatedly warned operators to comply with the regulations, but some had continued to disregard the instructions.

He warned that vehicles found in violation would be impounded and could subsequently be auctioned by the government.

According to the minister, some people only comply with government regulations when authorities take decisive action against violations.

The FCT Administration recently introduced two major measures: requiring public transport operators to use designated bus terminals and directing car dealers to vacate green areas and parks.

The measures are part of the administration’s broader efforts to address flooding in the capital and strengthen security within the transportation sector.

Why FCT Is Excluded From State Police Plan

Meanwhile, the Senate has explained why the Federal Capital Territory was excluded from the proposed state police arrangement.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Yemi Adaramodu, said the FCT was left out because it does not possess the constitutional structures of a state, such as an elected governor and House of Assembly.

Adaramodu gave the explanation on Friday while responding to questions about the emerging framework for decentralised policing.

He said the FCT remains under the direct administration of the Federal Government and is constitutionally distinct from Nigeria’s 36 states.

According to him, unlike the states, which are headed by elected governors, the FCT is administered by a minister who operates under the Federal Executive Council.

He further explained that the National Assembly performs the legislative functions for the territory because the FCT does not have its own elected assembly.

Adaramodu therefore said policing in the FCT would remain under the Federal Police rather than a separate state police structure.

The clarification comes amid ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to develop a new policing framework following sustained calls for the decentralisation of the Nigeria Police Force.

The Presidency had earlier announced that President Bola Tinubu was expected to receive the draft Executive National Policing Bill on September 3 as part of efforts to reform the country’s policing system.

The Chief of Staff to the President and Chairman of the Presidential Working Group on the National Policing Bill, Femi Gbajabiamila, disclosed this after the group met at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.