Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has cited political obstacles as the primary reason preventing the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance systems across Abuja, despite senators’ calls for enhanced security infrastructure.
During a media coverage by Voice TV from 7:03, Wike explained the complex coordination required for such security installations. “The Police CCTV you are talking about was never done by FCT; we have not hand it in. Now, we have to sit down with the National Security Advisor, with the DSS, with the IG to say, ‘Look, as it is today, what do we do as per the total security of FCT?” he stated.
The minister emphasized the unique security considerations surrounding the nation’s capital. “You cannot put CCTV on our own where the President stays, where the President works; it’s not possible, and that requires the collaboration of the national budget and the statutory budget,” he explained.
Wike acknowledged the political challenges that complicate security initiatives. “And you know, we must tell ourselves, the politics is not easy. You know this, and even the security agencies know, not to talk about just the FCT,” he said.
The minister expressed particular concern about potential sabotage, stating: “We can’t have CCTV in the FCT; the politics is too much, and somebody will sabotage it. We must tell ourselves the simple truth.”
His comments came in response to Senator Ali Ndume of Borno South, who argued that CCTV cameras would reduce criminal activity in Abuja. Ndume had observed that the FCT, as an urban center, should have comprehensive surveillance monitoring activities throughout the city. Senator Abdul Ningi of Bauchi Central supported the proposal, suggesting that the 78 billion naira supplementary budget should extensively cover security infrastructure development.
However, Wike maintained his position that the complexities exceed senators’ expectations. “So, I am pleading that if you can invite the security heads, and then the FCT, we sit down, and then the Senate will say, ‘Look, this is what should happen; why are we not doing this?” he proposed.
The minister also revealed that political constraints affect other development plans he has for the capital city, though he declined to specify the nature of these proposed developments.
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