The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nysom Wike, says he is being cautious about removing cows from Abuja roads, describing the issue as one of national security.
Speaking during his monthly media chat in Abuja on Monday, Wike said the presence of cows in the city remains a concern.
“You talked about cows, let’s see how we’re going to take these cows out of the city. It is an eyesore, it’s not fair, it’s not good. People will find a way to say we are pursuing cows. It’s an issue of national security. We’re being careful. It’s not about the election,” he said.
When reminded that he had promised in 2024 to remove cows from Abuja streets but had not achieved it by 2026, Wike apologised and blamed the media for not backing the plan at the time.
He said, “When I said that, I expected you, in your own media houses, to say, look, what the honourable minister said is correct, we should not allow this. Instead of you to project us, you guys just kept on saying things.
“I apologise that up till now, there are cows still roaming the streets of Abuja. I take responsibility for that, but it’s not as easy as you’re saying it here.”
Wike said the Minister of Livestock, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, is already engaging with the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria and other stakeholders on how to remove cows from the roads.
“The new minister of livestock has done quite a lot. He is supporting Mr President, and he is talking with Miyetti Allah to see how we can take these cows off the roads to where they should be,” he said.
