Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has directed traffic officials to stop car racing in residential areas across Abuja, saying the practice poses a serious risk to residents and other road users.
The minister gave the directive on Monday while responding to questions in Abuja, following complaints that motorists had been using residential roads for racing activities.
Wike said although no formal complaint had previously been submitted to his office, he would immediately instruct the FCT traffic authorities to enforce the ban.
“I would like to let you know that no formal complaint has been made, but now that we have heard it from you, I will check the traffic section and then let them understand that we will not allow that,” he said.
According to the minister, some motorists engage in car racing to showcase the quality of Abuja’s newly constructed roads, but warned that such activities put innocent lives at risk.
“They are trying to show how beautiful the roads are, but then they forget there are aspects of it that also pose some danger to innocent citizens,” Wike stated.
He explained that car racing would only be permitted in approved locations away from residential communities.
“If they are going to carry out car racing, we have designated areas where they should do that, but not where we have residences of people. Nobody would allow that, but I appeal to them to understand that their rights have limitations, and life is more important,” he said.
However, Wike clarified that the restriction would not apply to highways.
“We’ll do everything possible to see that we don’t allow car racing within the residential areas. But if it’s on the highway, well, that we will not stop,” he added.
The minister’s directive is expected to improve safety in residential neighbourhoods and reduce the risks associated with illegal street racing in the Federal Capital Territory.
