A coalition of scrap traders and recyclers in Abuja has commended the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, for what they describe as two years of purposeful and result-oriented leadership.
Speaking at a media briefing, Muntari Mohammed, Chairman of the Association of Scavengers, Scrap Traders, and Recyclers, praised Wike for fast-tracking infrastructural development and completing projects that had long stalled.
Mohammed noted that since the discovery and planning of the FCT by the late Justice Akinola Aguda’s committee, no administration has shown such continuity and urgency in project execution as Wike’s ministerial tenure.
He added that members of the association were satisfied with Wike’s strides in office but called for formal recognition and inclusion in the territory’s administrative and economic planning.
The group emphasised that their self-reliant profession is often misunderstood and stigmatised, despite its contribution to the economy and environmental sustainability.
According to Mohammed, the association is now a fully registered body with a Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) certificate and is actively regulating its members to prevent acts of vandalism and criminality.
“We cannot accommodate people who do not wish the country well,” Mohammed said, stressing that safeguarding the capital’s critical infrastructure remains a shared responsibility.
He pledged the association’s continued loyalty and support for the FCT administration under Wike, while also urging greater integration into decision-making and development frameworks.
In a related appeal, Mohammed requested the allocation of a permanent site for their traders, similar to recent efforts by the minister to relocate Apo mechanic and spare part dealers.
He also raised alarm over alleged harassment and exploitation of their members by the Police in Karmo and Gwagwa, claiming arbitrary arrests and extortion ranging from ₦100,000 to ₦200,000.
“We are bonafide citizens engaged in legitimate trade,” Mohammed declared. “We appeal to the FCT Minister to urgently intervene in this matter.”
