FCT Minister Urges Area Council Chairmen to Form Surveillance Committees to Tackle Insecurity

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has directed the Chairmen of the six Area Councils in the FCT to establish Surveillance Committees within their respective councils in a bid to address the prevailing insecurity challenges.

The directive was given by Wike during a familiarization meeting with the chairmen who identified inadequate funds, sanitation, public transportation, land allocation, and insecurity, particularly kidnappings, as major concerns affecting the area councils.

Danladi Chiya, Chairman of Kwali Area Council, outlined the challenges being faced by the councils, specifically highlighting the recent kidnapping incidents in Bwari Area Council, where 19 persons were abducted. Chiya sought assistance from the minister to address this growing security threat.

Furthermore, Chairman of Bwari Area Council, John Gabaya, expressed the need for the minister to involve council chairmen in the processes of land allocation and development, emphasizing the importance of monitoring the allocated lands.

Abdullahi Sabo, Chairman of Kuje Area Council, also raised concerns regarding the threat posed by illegal mining activities in the area councils. He reported that an unfortunate landslide in one of the mining sites had claimed the lives of approximately 30 individuals. Further investigations revealed that the miners did not possess the necessary mining licenses.

Responding to these issues, Minister Wike assured the chairmen of an emergency security meeting with the Director of the Department of State Services and the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, to address the rising insecurity.

He emphasized the need for collaboration and support from the area council chairmen, stating that progress cannot be achieved without their cooperation. Wike urged them to work in unison for the benefit of the people.

In relation to the financial constraints faced by the councils, the minister advised the chairmen to exercise prudence in utilizing the available resources. He assured them that under his watch, they would receive the funds due to them.

Regarding land allocation, Minister Wike acknowledged that, by law, the FCT Administration has the authority to allocate land. However, he agreed with the council chairmen that they should be included in the land development process to ensure appropriate oversight.

Wike stressed the importance of involving the area councils to avoid situations where development occurs without adequate monitoring. By actively participating in the process, the chairmen can serve as the administration's eyes in their respective areas.

Illegal mining was also a major concern raised by the chairmen. Minister Wike promised to engage with the Minister of Solid Minerals, Mr. Dele Alake, to address and eliminate illegal mining activities in the FCT.

During the meeting, the Minister of State, FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, and the Permanent Secretary in the FCTA, Mr. Olusade Adesola, expressed the administration's commitment to partnering with the area council chairmen to facilitate inclusive development within the capital territory.

Source of content: OOO News 2023-09-08 News

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