Scrap markets, locally known as panteka, have resumed business across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) after being shut down for five weeks due to security concerns.
The FCT Administration (FCTA) had ordered the closure on January 14 following a security assessment led by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, which resulted in the detention of several scrap dealers.
Their reopening follows extensive discussions involving market leaders, officials from the Abuja Market Management Limited, and the FCT Police Command.
Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, who oversees Dei-Dei Scrap Market—the largest in Abuja—disclosed that security agencies conducted background checks on market executives before allowing them to operate again.
Under new regulations, three principal officials from each market—the chairman, vice chairman, and secretary—were required to submit their national identity details and present a guarantor, such as a religious leader or a traditional authority figure.
Additionally, market union executives are now tasked with registering their members.
The Abuja Market Management Limited has taken over security and maintenance responsibilities, and shop owners are now required to pay an extra N10,000 monthly fee for these services, in addition to their annual rent.
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