The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has issued a stern warning against the Cyprian Ekwensi Centre for Arts and Culture Complex in Garki, Abuja, being transformed into a drinking joint by shop owners.
During an emergency meeting with business operators and shop owners at the secretariat in Abuja on Wednesday, Mr Ibrahim Masari, the Mandate Secretary of the Social Development Secretariat, FCTA, expressed his concern.
To address the rising security concerns, he announced that the daily closing hour for all businesses and shops operating within the complex is now set at 7:30 p.m.
During an unscheduled visit to the complex on October 29 around 7:10 p.m., Masari was appalled by the level of lawlessness he witnessed within the secretariat.
The purpose of his visit was to verify the information he had received about the unruly activities that took place at the complex during late hours of the night.
“To my dismay, I discovered more than 500 people within the complex at such a late hour, indulging in alcoholic drinks and smoking indiscriminately,” Masari revealed.
No official communication had been made about any event or activity taking place, leaving him perplexed about the situation.
After patiently waiting until around 8:30 p.m. with no signs of the crowd dispersing, Masari called upon some of the private security guards on duty to assist in disbanding the gathering.
This alarming incident has raised concerns within the management, and Masari declared that such actions will no longer be tolerated.
“Management will no longer condone a situation where non-staff and tenants in the secretariat remain on the premises after official closing hours, extending as late as 9 p.m.,” he asserted.
Effective Thursday, the closing hour has been scheduled for 7:30 p.m., and the public is urged to take note to avoid any inconveniences or encounters with security personnel.
Furthermore, Masari emphasized that the sale of alcohol or any other intoxicating substances within working premises is strictly prohibited according to civil service rules.
He also informed that internal measures have been activated to penalize business owners who encourage such lawlessness and disregard for the existing rules.
