Wike’s Broken Promises: Open Grazing, Begging, and Panteka Markets Still Thrive in Abuja Despite Minister’s Ban

Eighteen months after Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, vowed to end open grazing in Abuja, cows continue to roam freely across the capital city, defying official orders and raising concerns about the effectiveness of his leadership.

In August 2023, Wike boldly declared that cattle would no longer be allowed to roam within city limits. “We will consult with the herdsmen to see how we will stop open grazing because we cannot allow cows inside the city,” he said, reiterating the commitment as recently as March 2024. Yet, on-the-ground observations in March 2025 paint a different picture.

Roaming Cattle Still Commonplace in the FCT

From Berger Bridge to Jabi, Maitama, Wuye, Katampe, and Pyakassa, cows continue to graze openly, causing traffic disruptions and damaging public infrastructure. The herd sightings are no longer occasional, they are routine. In areas like Dei Dei and Airport Road, motorists frequently halt to allow cows, often guided by teenage herders, to cross.

Despite the minister’s strong rhetoric, enforcement appears weak or non-existent. A taxi driver who plies the Wuse-Lugbe route told The ICIR that powerful interests are behind the herds. “It’s big men and politicians who own these cows. Wike cannot stop them,” he said, pointing at a herd by the Military Cemetery.

Residents Frustrated by Inaction

For many residents, Wike’s failure to enforce the open grazing ban is symptomatic of a larger problem: political will. While some accuse him of backing down due to political pressure, others advocate for structured solutions, such as regulating herders’ routes and supporting ranching initiatives.

There was brief optimism when President Bola Tinubu created the Ministry of Livestock Development in July 2024, appointing Idi Mukhtar Maiha as its minister. The new ministry was meant to address persistent issues like herder-farmer clashes and the lack of grazing reserves. But months later, the results remain elusive, open grazing continues unchecked across Abuja.

Not Wike’s Only Unfulfilled Promise

Wike’s open grazing ban is just one of several unfulfilled pledges. In October 2024, he declared war on street begging, labeling it a security risk and a blight on Abuja’s image. Yet, daily scenes of beggars, some with infants, others disabled, crowding overpasses and street corners remain common.

In January 2025, Wike announced a two-week ban on “Panteka” markets that sell used goods, citing sanitation and urban planning concerns. Still, the markets, especially in Mpape, carried on business as usual, disregarding the directive.

Leadership in Question

These repeated failures have left residents disillusioned. Many now question whether Wike’s declarations are more performative than practical. Attempts to reach his media aide, Lere Olayinka, for comment were unsuccessful, as calls and messages went unanswered.

With Abuja’s urban challenges deepening, many are beginning to ask: is it time for Wike to match words with action, or step aside?