By John Ikani
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is set to implement a monthly environmental sanitation initiative as part of efforts geared towards addressing issues of waste management in Nigeria’s capital city Abuja.
Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), made this known to newsmen following a private discussion with various contractors responsible for projects across the FCT.
Wike revealed that he had already proposed the concept to President Bola Tinubu, suggesting that a minimum of two Saturdays every month, from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., should be dedicated to sanitation efforts.
Highlighting the importance of collective effort, Wike stressed that the entire community must collaborate for Abuja to become a pristine city.
He pointed out that the program would enable companies assisting the FCT with logistics to collect and dispose of refuse from markets and public areas.
“We all need to contribute,” Wike remarked, “It’s not about suffering, but about taking responsibility. You generate waste too. By dedicating just three hours on a Saturday to clear your refuse and place it for disposal, you’re making a significant contribution.”
Wike urged residents to support the initiative, stressing that their cooperation was essential to achieve the intended results.
Addressing urban planning concerns, the minister pledged to rectify deviations from the Abuja Master Plan.
He revealed that the FCTA was actively identifying areas designated for parks and green spaces and those that had been improperly developed upon.
Furthermore, he expressed resolve in addressing properties that remained undeveloped for extended periods, vowing that the current administration, led by Tinubu, would not tolerate unused land across the city, which often harboured criminal activities.
“It’s inconceivable to have vacant land in the city, only for makeshift structures to emerge due to lack of development. Certain properties have stood incomplete for two decades. These areas have been overrun by criminals, and as a committed government, we will not tolerate this,” Wike affirmed.
“We want to make Abuja a safe environment, but we can’t do it alone; we require the support of every stakeholder,” Wike said.
