By Muhammad Mamman
Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning to the coordinator of the Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD), threatening dismissal if piles of refuse along the Orozo–Apo–Karshi corridor are not cleared by Monday.
The minister gave the directive during an inspection tour of key roads on the outskirts of Abuja, expressing frustration over what he described as unacceptable levels of environmental neglect.
Wike said the continued presence of waste along major roads posed serious health risks to residents and undermined ongoing efforts to improve sanitation and urban aesthetics across the capital.
“There is no excuse for this kind of filth,” he said, stressing that officials entrusted with maintaining cleanliness would be held fully accountable.
He instructed the STDD to immediately mobilise waste contractors and sanitation workers to clear the affected areas, warning that failure to act decisively would attract sanctions.
The FCT Administration has in recent months intensified monitoring of satellite towns, as part of broader efforts to restore order, improve infrastructure and enforce environmental standards in Abuja and surrounding communities.
Residents along the Orozo, Apo and Karshi routes have repeatedly complained about mounting refuse, blocked drains and the risk of disease outbreaks, particularly during the dry season.
Wike reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring a cleaner capital, adding that performance, not excuses, would determine who remains in office.
