Tight security as Abuja shuts down

As the Africa edition of the World Economic Forum opened in Abuja on Wednesday, FCT residents complied with the Federal Government’s directive to stay at home except those on essential duty.

The News Agency of Nigeria correspondents who monitored the situation, report that some roads hitherto adjudged to be very busy, witnessed light vehicular movements.

The airports road, which often recorded heavy vehicular movement and sometimes gridlock, was free of traffic, except for the occasional movement of delegates arriving for the forum.

Security agents were seen at strategic locations within the FCT, while entry points such as Bwari, Zuba, Gwagwalada and Nyanya/Mararaba axis had heavy security presence.

Similarly, the road leading to the Federal Secretariat through the Eagle Square, International Conference Centre, Sheraton, Transcorp Hilton, Benue Plaza and ThisDay Dome were all closed to commuters and motorists.

Transcorp Hilton, the venue of the forum, was being guarded by stern looking security men, to prevent any unpleasant situation, while hotels and the International Conference Centre were equally cordoned off.

NAN reports that journalists without accreditation to cover the forum were denied entry into Transcorp Hilton.

Workers on essential duty who were not mobile, had a hectic time reaching their offices, as there are few commercial taxis operating within the city.

A combined team of security agents including the army, police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Department of Security Service, among others, also prevented any vehicle without the official badge from the venue of the event.

NAN recalls that the Federal Government had on May 3 ordered the closure of all government offices and schools in the FCT, from May 7 to May 9 to ensure a hitch-free event.

A statement by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation,  Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, explained that the directive was to ensure free flow of traffic in the city during the event.

It is the first time the Africa edition of the annual global forum will be hosted in Nigeria, an event that is supposed to shape global, regional and industry agenda towards the improvement of the state of the world through public-private sector cooperation.

The three-day forum is expected to attract all stakeholders including prospective foreign and local investors, captains of industry and, government officials, among others.