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Scrap markets, popularly known as panteka, have resumed operations across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) five weeks after they were shut down by the FCT Administration (FCTA) over security concerns.

The markets, located in all six area councils of Abuja, were closed on January 14 following a security meeting led by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike. Many scrap dealers were arrested during the enforcement exercise.

Leaders of the affected markets confirmed the reopening after a series of discussions with officials of the Abuja Market Management Limited and the FCT Police Command.

Speaking on the resolution, Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, chairman of the Dei-Dei scrap market—the largest in Abuja—disclosed that market leaders underwent profiling by the police. As part of the new regulations, at least three executive members of each market, including the chairman, vice chairman, and secretary, were required to provide their national identity card details.

Additionally, each of them had to present a guarantor, who must be either an imam, pastor, or traditional leader.

“The union leaders of each market are also expected to profile their members,” Abdullahi added.

Furthermore, the Abuja Market Management Limited has taken over security and facility management in the markets.

Under the new arrangement, every shop owner must pay a monthly fee of N10,000 for these services, in addition to their usual annual rent.