The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed concern over the sight of cattle roaming freely in Abuja, describing the situation as a national security concern.
He maintained that livestock should not be allowed to move unrestricted within Nigeria’s capital city.
Wike made the remarks on Monday during his monthly media chat in Abuja, while responding to journalists’ questions about the increasing presence of cows on streets and public spaces despite ongoing urban renewal efforts.
When asked about cattle grazing on lawns and moving along roads in the FCT, he said: “It is an issue of national security.”
Pressed further on the link between the issue and security, he reiterated: “No, no, no. We must face reality.”
He explained that the Federal Government’s push for ranching remains the preferred solution to the challenge.
“One of the things we have done when we came in, but look, the President said, now let’s do ranching and see how we can take these cows, animals out of the city,” he said.
Wike condemned the situation, calling it unacceptable and unsightly.
“It is an eyesore. It is not fair. It is not good,” he stated.
He added that in many developed countries, livestock are not seen roaming in urban centres.
“We have developed countries where they have cows. You have to go and see them. Go to Saudi Arabia. Go to all the cities. You cannot see the cows there. You cannot see them,” he said.
The minister also noted that policy efforts are sometimes misinterpreted or politicised.
“When you begin to develop some policies, people find it weird. ‘Oh, they are pushing cows because of this.’ No, no, no. It is an issue of national security,” he said.
Wike also addressed concerns about street trading, begging, and other urban disorder within the city.
He said the FCT Administration has been working to remove illegal traders from unauthorised areas but needs stronger public cooperation.
“You see again, when you see traders, this is where it is provided for you to trade, not to adjust anywhere. The next thing you see is a market. There is no market here. That also constitutes nuisance,” he said.
He added that the administration’s actions are aimed at preserving the capital city.
“We have been trying to, we have been doing that. But again, we need the media support to be able to educate the public that what we are doing is for the interest and for the generality of the people.
“This is the only one city we have in Nigeria. We cannot allow it to be destroyed simply because they are saying, ‘Oh, I want to go and see where I can find my daily bread.’ That does not mean you shouldn’t do what the law provides,” he stated.
