The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has issued a stern warning against the unauthorized use of the Cyprian Ekwensi Centre for Arts and Culture complex in Garki, Abuja, as a drinking joint by shop owners.
During an emergency meeting with business operators and shop owners, Mr. Ibrahim Masari, the Mandate Secretary of the Social Development Secretariat, FCTA, expressed concerns over security issues and designated 7.30 p.m. as the daily closing time for businesses within the complex.
Masari’s visit to the complex on October 29 revealed a disturbing scene, with more than 500 people indulging in alcoholic drinks and indiscriminate smoking at late hours.
To curb this behavior, he announced that the 7.30 p.m. closing hour would be enforced starting the next day, cautioning the public to comply to avoid encounters with security personnel.
Emphasizing that the sale of alcohol within working premises is against civil service rules, he warned that business owners encouraging such violations would face consequences. The decision to enforce the 7.30 p.m. closing hour is essential for the security of lives and government properties, underlining the administration’s commitment to maintaining order and safety.
He said, “To my dismay, I discovered more than 500 persons within the complex at such late hours, enjoying themselves with alcoholic drinks and smoking indiscriminately.
“I was not aware of what the event or activity was all about, as there was no official communication whatsoever to that effect.
“After waiting patiently till about 8.30 p.m. with no signs of them exiting soon, I invited some of the private security guards on duty who accompanied me to disperse the gathering. This is very disturbing.
“Management will no longer condone a situation whereby non-staff and tenants in the secretariat will stay back after official closing hours to as late as 9 p.m.”
