By Joyce Remi- Babayeju
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has warned that it would not hesitate to seal up hotels, night clubs and bars in the FCT which constitute noise pollution in their business environments as it begins enforcement of the law.
It said that the Noise Pollution law would be enforced during night patrols by officers to ensure it’s strict adherence.
The Coordinator, Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) Tpl Umar Shuaibu who disclosed this on Thursday during a meeting with owners of nightclubs, restaurants, and bars, assured them that if they operate according to the rules, they do not anything to fear.
Shuaibu said that the law is to safeguard public sanity, safety , security and to protect everybody’s and not to victimize anyone.
“You have right in this city, but your right ends where somebody’s right is infringed. That is factual. We have to be our neighbours’ keepers and helpers, not becoming a nuisance to our neighbours.
“Even if you operate a restaurant and not a nightclub, but the activities constitute a nuisance to others, then it is an offense in the FCT law. In Abuja Master Plan, we made our land-use plan the way things are needed for the residents.
“Where schools, hotels, markets, and other things need to be in Abuja, they have been planned that way for them to be in the appropriate places. Our concern is how the hotels and nightclubs operate without disturbing other people.”
He urged all citizens to respect the rights of each other , adding that security matters is a very important issue in Nigeria presently.
Director of Development Control Muktar Galadima, said that the rules and regulations guiding development in the FCT are sacrosanct and enjoined residents to respect the Abuja Master plan and standard,
Galadima said, “If any of your clubs is found wanting, we will seal up the place. We are building this city, not for ourselves but generations unborn. We recognized the fact that you are part of the development of the city, but your development should not be to the detriment of the people.”
“Noise pollution is an offense. The law states that anybody that plays music and it constitutes noise to others is an offense. We want investors in the city, but your businesses must be done in a way that does not constitute a nuisance to other people.”
“Being in business should be in a location that is defined for such purposes, not for anybody to go and secure a residential property and turn it into nightclubs or hotels. It is unacceptable,” he said.
Senior Special Assistant on Monitoring, Inspection, and Enforcement to the FCT Minister,Ikharo Attah, also warned operators of restaurants and bars to resist the temptation to block the roads they operate on, that if they do not take correction, they will have no option but to seal up the place.
“Mostly at Wuse 2, people that patronize restaurants and clubs always block the roads with their vehicles and make the road inaccessible. That is not good and it is unacceptable,” Attah warned.
