Area 1 shopping complex risks closure over unwholesome acts

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) has threatened to shut down Area 1 shopping complex over purported nefarious activities, being carried out by the traders.

AMMC Coordinator, Umar Shuaibu said the mall, which was the first  mall in Abuja, needs  to meet the desired standard.

Shuaibu, who explained that the market has places earmarked for different purposes, however, lamented that the traders had thwarted the whole plan.

According to him, the administration would take stringent measures as soon as the committee set up to review the situation submit its report.

“The committee comprises of FCT strategic agencies, departments and secretariat. So, as soon as the committee finishes it work, we will commence enforcement. Some structures will be removed with others relocated.

He regretted that all the informal sector in the area have been littering the entire place without taking into account the significance of  best hygiene  practices.

Shuaibu disclosed this when he visited the market with other senior officials of the administration on Monday, to ascertain the genuineness of several complaints being received about the place so far.

He said the area which was the first place to be developed in Abuja is  important to the Federal Capital City, and must be taken serious by those that operate in the area. 

“We are in the market on a fact finding mission because of the several reports and complaints we have been receiving. 

“The whole place has been littered especially by the informal sector, there are areas reserve for walk way,  pedestrian, packing. And this area must be used according to what we earmarked it for.

“With the offensive activities here, we are going to restore sanity by removing all the illegalities. The places that require relocation and removal will all be addressed”, he stressed.

He said the market is recognized international and must be in conformity with the standards.