The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has advised the Chairmen of the six Area Councils in the FCT to establish Surveillance Committees in their respective councils to address security concerns.
Wike offered this advice during a meeting with the council chairmen in Abuja on Thursday, where they discussed various challenges facing their areas.
He stressed that these surveillance committees would play a crucial role in combating insecurity and illegal mining in local communities, which often contributes to security problems.
The chairmen had highlighted several issues during the meeting, including insufficient funds, sanitation concerns, public transportation issues, land allocation problems, and security challenges such as kidnappings.
Wike was informed that 19 people had been kidnapped in Bwari Area Council on the same day as the meeting and was urged to provide assistance.
On the matter of land allocation, the chairmen expressed concerns that land designated for public use, including backyards, graveyards, and even churches, was being allocated to individuals.
They also raised concerns about illegal mining activities in their areas, which posed security threats and, in some cases, resulted in deadly incidents.
In response, Wike pledged to convene an emergency security meeting with the Director of the Department of State Services and the Commissioner of Police for the FCT Command to address these security issues.
He emphasized the importance of cooperation and support from the council chairmen, noting that their collaboration was essential for the well-being of the people in the FCT.
Regarding the shortage of funds, Wike advised the chairmen to use available resources prudently and assured them that they would receive their rightful allocations during his tenure.
He also called for a collaborative effort between the FCT Administration and the area councils to enhance sanitation in the city.
Regarding land allocation, Wike explained that it fell under the jurisdiction of the FCT Administration according to the law. However, he agreed with the chairmen’s proposal to involve them in the land development process to ensure proper oversight.
Wike also committed to discussing the issue of illegal mining with the Minister of Solid Minerals to eliminate this problem in the FCT.
The meeting was attended by various officials, including the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, and the Permanent Secretary of the FCTA, Mr. Olusade Adesola, who expressed the Administration’s commitment to collaborating with the council chairmen for the inclusive development of the capital territory.