Scrap markets, commonly known as panteka, have reopened across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), five weeks after being shut down by the FCT Administration (FCTA) due to security concerns.
The markets, situated in all six area councils of Abuja, were closed on January 14 following a security meeting led by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. During the enforcement exercise, numerous scrap dealers were arrested.
Market leaders confirmed the resumption of operations after a series of negotiations with officials from the Abuja Market Management Limited and the FCT Police Command.
Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, chairman of the Dei-Dei scrap market—the largest in Abuja—explained that market leaders were required to undergo police profiling before reopening.
As part of the new regulations, at least three executives from each market—the chairman, vice chairman, and secretary—had to submit their national identity card details.
Additionally, each of them had to provide a guarantor, who must be an imam, pastor, or traditional leader.
“The union leaders of each market are also responsible for profiling their members,” Abdullahi stated.
Furthermore, the Abuja Market Management Limited has now taken charge of security and facility management in the markets.
Under this new arrangement, every shop owner must pay a monthly fee of N10,000 for security and maintenance services, in addition to their annual rent.