Scrap markets, commonly known as panteka, have resumed operations across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), five weeks after the FCT Administration (FCTA) shut them down due to security concerns.
The markets, located in all six area councils of Abuja, were closed on January 14 following a security meeting led by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, during which several scrap dealers were arrested.
Leaders of the affected markets confirmed the reopening after discussions with Abuja Market Management Limited and the FCT Police Command.
According to Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, chairman of the Dei-Dei scrap market—the largest in Abuja—market leaders underwent police profiling. As part of the new regulations:
Each market’s chairman, vice chairman, and secretary must provide national identity card details.
They must also present a guarantor, who must be an imam, pastor, or traditional leader.
Market unions are responsible for profiling their members.
Additionally, the Abuja Market Management Limited has taken over security and facility management in the markets. Shop owners are now required to pay N10,000 monthly for these services, in addition to their annual rent.
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