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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has apologised to residents of Abuja following public outrage over the sight of cattle roaming freely in parts of the nation’s capital, admitting that the development reflected a failure in enforcement and city management. Wike made the apology during a media briefing in Abuja, where he acknowledged concerns raised by residents and accepted responsibility for the situation. (punchng.com)
The minister stated that Abuja was designed to operate as a modern capital city with clear regulations on environmental sanitation, urban planning, and livestock movement. He admitted that allowing cattle to move openly within certain districts created negative impressions about the city and undermined ongoing efforts to improve the capital’s image. According to Wike, authorities had already begun taking steps to address the problem, including stricter enforcement against illegal grazing and improved monitoring of livestock activities within the Federal Capital Territory. (punchng.com)
Wike stressed that residents were justified in expressing dissatisfaction after videos and photographs showing cattle wandering around major roads and residential areas circulated widely on social media. He noted that while security agencies and relevant departments share responsibility for enforcement, he would not shift blame to subordinates because the ultimate responsibility for managing the FCT rests with his office. The minister further assured residents that measures were being introduced to prevent a recurrence and maintain Abuja’s status as Nigeria’s administrative capital. (punchng.com)
The incident has reignited public debate over urban planning, livestock control, and environmental management within Abuja, particularly as the city continues experiencing rapid population growth and expansion. In recent months, the FCT Administration has intensified campaigns against illegal structures, street trading, and other activities considered inconsistent with the Abuja Master Plan. Analysts say Wike’s decision to publicly accept responsibility may help ease criticism while reinforcing his administration’s ongoing push to strengthen regulation and improve infrastructure across the capital territory. (punchng.com)
