The minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has directed the Department of Development Control and security agencies to clamp down on unauthorised beer parlours and related businesses in parts of Asokoro, Abuja, citing potential security concerns.
Wike gave the directive on Friday in Abuja after an FCT Executive Council meeting, warning that the administration would not permit commercial activities in locations where the required approvals had not been obtained.
The minister said the administration had received reports about attempts to establish beer parlours and similar businesses in the area, prompting it to direct the relevant agencies to intervene.
“We will not allow that. There are no such approvals, and we will not allow that,” he said.
He directed Development Control officials to work with security agencies to remove the operators, stressing the need to prevent the situation from developing into a security problem.
Wike said the FCTA remained committed to enforcing development regulations and ensuring that commercial activities within the territory complied with applicable planning requirements.
He maintained that businesses operating without the necessary authorisations would not be allowed to continue, adding that the relevant agencies had been directed to take appropriate action.
The minister, however, did not disclose the specific locations affected, identify the operators involved or provide details of the approvals allegedly lacking.
The directive places the responsibility on the relevant regulatory and security agencies to assess the affected locations and enforce applicable regulations.
The move highlights the FCTA’s role in regulating land use, development and commercial activities in Abuja, particularly in ensuring compliance with planning and safety requirements.
