Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has faced criticism for his decision to ban street trading in Abuja.
During a meeting with the management staff of the Federal Capital Territory Administration and Federal Capital Development Authority, Wike announced the ban, stating that street traders, including those selling corn, contribute to crime and instability in the city.
Some Nigerians have taken to social media to express their concerns, arguing that the ban will further worsen the economic hardship already faced by citizens.
They suggest alternative solutions such as providing low-cost shops for street traders instead of sending them away.
An X user, Mark Momoh said, “Somebody should plz tell Mr min @GovWike that we are in hard times and people all over Nigeria are doing legit to survive. Plz don’t destroy people source of food all in the name of beautification on an empty stomach. U can do better.”
Godwin Uche posted “Is Wike alright? Someone should please check on him. Clear street hawkers from the city of Abuja if that’s what you want to do but don’t call them criminals or accomplices pretending you don’t know who the real criminals are. These people try to survive legally, don’t mock them.”
@legend_082 said “Wike is the type that will betray the entire classroom, so that he’d be called a good boy by the teacher. Well the Armageddon is about to begin. Enjoy the ride while it lasts.”
@trueAFICIONADO “Is he going to impose a ban on corn sellers in the metropolis and why do i have this uncanny feeling that his ministerial position will be targeted at the poor with the rich incurring lesser collateral damage?”
@Ebukacudeh “I always knew this particular appointment was a set-up. Wike will finish the remaining goodwill he still has trying to impress. He’ll do their dirty jobs and get all the backlash on their behalf. Emefiele is presently suffering for the same foolishness. They never learn.”
@The_chidinma “He won’t look for how to construct pedestrian bridges, functional bus stops, get actual buses. People are already suffering, do they get off by supplying more suffering to people?”
@FineAyozie said, “Then provide low cost shops for them, at least this will address the problem than sending them away. Don’t make the already unbearable life for citizens again.”
Article updated 4 days ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
