The Federal Capital Territory Administration has issued a caution against the utilization of the Cyprian Ekwensi Centre for Arts and Culture complex in Garki, Abuja, as a place for drinking by shop owners.
The Mandate Secretary of the Social Development Secretariat, FCTA,Mr. Ibrahim Masari, conveyed this warning during an impromptu meeting with business operators and shop owners at the secretariat in Abuja on Wednesday.
In response to security concerns, Masari has now designated 7:30 p.m. as the daily closing time for all business and shop owners operating within the complex.
He expressed disappointment at the extent of disorderliness he encountered during his unannounced visit to the complex at around 7:10 p.m. on October 29.
His visit aimed to confirm the accuracy of the information he had received regarding the unlawful activities taking place in the complex during the late hours of the night.
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.”
The Mandate Secretary emphasized that the 7:30 p.m. closing time would be enforced starting from Thursday, urging the public to be aware of this to prevent any inconvenience from security personnel.
He reiterated that the civil service regulations strictly prohibit the sale of alcohol or any intoxicating substances within workplace premises.
Furthermore, he mentioned that an internal system has been set in motion to penalize business owners who promote such misconduct and show disregard for the established regulations.
“Business owners and members of the public who transact businesses in the complex after 7.30 p.m will have themselves to blame, if caught flouting this directive.
“Our private security guards have been duly advised accordingly,” he said.
