FCTA Bans Scavenging and Suspends Pantaker Operations in Abuja
In a bid to enhance public safety and promote better urban order, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has recently announced a ban on scavenging and suspended the operations of pantaker markets in Abuja. These measures, which took effect from mid-January 2025, aim to address various concerns related to security and infrastructure in the city.
The FCTA’s decision to ban scavenging within Abuja was driven by mounting concerns over public safety. Scavengers have been known to remove valuable items like manhole covers and other public infrastructure, creating dangerous hazards for both pedestrians and motorists. The move to restrict scavenging to designated dumpsites on the outskirts of the city is expected to reduce these risks.
According to the Commissioner of Police in the FCT, Olatunji Disu, all security agencies have been instructed to enforce this ban rigorously. The crackdown began on January 14, 2025, and authorities are closely monitoring compliance to ensure the safety of residents and maintain order.
In addition to the scavenging ban, the FCTA has suspended operations at pantaker markets for a period of two weeks. These markets, which primarily deal in used and scrap materials such as furniture and home appliances, have long been a feature of the informal economy in Abuja. However, the suspension allows security agencies to profile operators and ensure that only legitimate businesses are operating in these spaces.
The FCTA has also expressed plans to further regulate and formalize the pantaker market sector, aiming to transform these informal businesses into more structured and sustainable enterprises. By offering shared facilities and business development services, the FCTA hopes to create a more profitable and organized market for those involved.
These recent actions are part of the FCTA’s broader effort to align urban development with the Abuja Master Plan. The administration is committed to addressing security issues while also ensuring that informal businesses like those in the pantaker sector can thrive in a more regulated and safe environment.
As the FCTA continues to work towards the formalization of these markets, residents of Abuja can expect a more secure and organized city in the coming months. The ban on scavenging and the suspension of pantaker operations represent just the first steps in this ambitious plan for improving urban management and safety in the nation’s capital.
For more updates on this initiative, stay tuned to the FCTA’s announcements.
