The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says the FCT Administration will clamp down on illegal car racing within residential areas across Abuja to safeguard lives and property.

Mr Wike gave the assurance in Abuja on Monday while reacting to reports of reckless driving and organised street racing in residential neighbourhoods across the nation’s capital.

Speaking with journalists after inspecting ongoing projects, the minister said civic rights had limits, particularly when public safety and the wellbeing of innocent residents were threatened.

According to him, illegal car racing in residential communities poses a serious danger to public safety and undermines efforts to create a secure and orderly environment.

He warned motorists and thrill seekers against turning newly constructed road networks in the FCT into racing tracks, emphasising that such activities could result in avoidable accidents.

“The racers are trying to show how beautiful the roads are, but then they forget there are aspects of racing that also pose danger to innocent citizens.

“I appeal to them to understand that their rights have limitations, and life is more important.

“Rest assured that we will do everything possible to see that we don’t allow car racing within residential areas but if it is on the highway, well, we will not stop. If they want to engage in car racing, there are designated places for that, not within residential areas,” Mr Wike said.

While noting that the administration had yet to receive a formal petition identifying specific locations, Mr Wike assured residents that the matter would be addressed through internal enforcement mechanisms.

He said the FCT Traffic Management Department would be engaged to ensure compliance, emphasising that high-speed racing within residential neighbourhoods would be strictly prohibited.

The minister urged motorsport enthusiasts to restrict racing activities to designated tracks and approved non-residential locations where public safety would not be compromised.

(NAN)