Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has instructed the Chairmen of the six Area Councils in the FCT to establish Surveillance Committees in their respective councils to address security concerns. This directive comes in response to the challenges outlined by the council chairmen during a familiarization meeting held in Abuja.
One of the primary concerns raised by the council chairmen was the issue of insecurity, exacerbated by illegal mining activities in communities. These activities not only pose security risks but also recently resulted in a tragic landslide that claimed the lives of approximately 30 individuals.
The Chairman of Kwali Area Council, Danladi Chiya, highlighted various challenges, including inadequate funds, sanitation issues, public transportation, land allocation problems, and the growing insecurity, particularly kidnappings in the area councils. He urgently called for assistance in addressing these issues.
Chiya also pointed out that land allocation had become problematic, with valuable lands such as people’s backyards, graveyards, and even churches being allocated to individuals.
Chairman of Bwari Area Council, John Gabaya, echoed concerns about illegal miners posing a security threat in the area councils. He emphasized that the recent landslide tragedy exposed the dangers of unregulated mining activities, as the miners lacked proper licenses.
In response to these issues, Wike pledged to convene an emergency security meeting with the Director of the Department of State Services and the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command. This meeting will focus on addressing the security challenges, particularly those linked to illegal mining.
Wike stressed the need for cooperation and collaboration between the FCT Administration and the area council chairmen, emphasizing that achieving solutions to these problems would require their joint efforts.
Regarding the shortage of funds, the minister advised prudent resource utilization by the chairmen while assuring them that they would receive their rightful allocations.
Wike also advocated for closer collaboration with the area councils to improve sanitation in the city. On land allocation, he acknowledged the legal jurisdiction of the FCT Administration but agreed to involve the council chairmen in the development process to enhance oversight and reduce future issues.
In addressing illegal mining, Wike committed to discussions with the Minister of Solid Minerals, Mr. Dele Alake, to eliminate illegal mining activities in the FCT.
The Minister of State, FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, and the Permanent Secretary in the FCTA, Mr. Olusade Adesola, reiterated the Administration’s willingness to collaborate with the council chairmen for the inclusive development of the capital territory.
