Abuja: The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, has announced that the FCT Administration will take stringent measures to halt illegal car racing within residential areas across Abuja in a bid to protect lives and property.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Wike addressed the media in Abuja on Monday, responding to reports about reckless driving and organized street racing in the capital’s residential neighborhoods. The minister emphasized that civic rights have boundaries, especially when public safety and the wellbeing of residents are at stake. Illegal car racing in residential communities, he noted, poses a significant threat to public safety and undermines efforts to maintain a secure and orderly environment.
Wike cautioned motorists and thrill-seekers against using newly constructed road networks in the FCT as racing tracks, warning that such activities could lead to preventable accidents. He stressed that while racers may want to showcase the beauty of the roads, they often overlook the potential danger to innocent citizens. Wike appealed for understanding that individual rights are limited and that life holds greater importance.
The minister assured that the administration would take all necessary measures to prevent car racing in residential areas. He mentioned that while racing on highways may not be stopped, residential areas would be strictly off-limits. He urged those interested in car racing to use designated places suitable for such activities, ensuring they stay away from residential zones.
Wike also mentioned that although the administration had not yet received a formal petition pinpointing specific locations, steps would be taken to address the issue through internal enforcement mechanisms. The FCT Traffic Management Department will be involved to ensure compliance, and high-speed racing in residential neighborhoods will be strictly prohibited. Motorsport enthusiasts were encouraged to limit racing activities to designated tracks and approved non-residential locations to ensure public safety remains uncompromised.