The newly-sworn-in minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has pledged to bring an end to open grazing in Abuja. Wike made this commitment during his assumption of office as the FCT Minister in Abuja on Monday.
The former governor of Rivers State emphasized that while herdsmen have the option to rear their cattle outside the city, they will no longer be permitted to allow their cattle to graze on the grasses intended for the city’s beautification.
He stated, “We will engage in discussions with the herdsmen to find a way to halt [open grazing] because permitting cows within the city limits is not acceptable. They can manage their cattle outside the city as there are ample grasslands there. The grass within the city was planted to enhance its aesthetics, not for consumption.”
Wike continued, “We will engage in dialogue. Imagine, for instance, within the [presidential] Villa area, seeing 20,000 to 40,000 goats grazing. How would that appear to outsiders?”
Additionally, Wike vowed to take decisive action against unauthorized markets operating within the FCT.
“We won’t condone the situation where every corner becomes a marketplace. I understand times are tough, but that doesn’t excuse creating disruptions for others. While striving to meet your own needs, it must be done in accordance with the law.”
“In the city, we’ve witnessed people selling under umbrellas beneath trees. Such practices have contributed to insecurity. This is something we cannot tolerate,” he stated.
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