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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has publicly apologised for the persistent sight of cattle on major roads and streets across Abuja, admitting responsibility for a problem that has frustrated residents for years.
“I apologise that up till now there are cows still roaming the streets of Abuja; I take responsibility,” Wike told journalists during his media chat on Monday.
The apology comes days after a viral video showing a tense roadside argument between a motorist and a Fulani herdsman on a busy Abuja expressway caused a fresh debate over open grazing, urban traffic and livestock management in Nigeria’s capital.
The incident, which occurred in the Central Area of Abuja, captured a large herd of cattle obstructing traffic on the expressway as the driver began recording from inside his vehicle.
The herdsman, visibly agitated, approached the car and confronted the driver, repeatedly warning him not to film the animals.
“Don’t video my cows. You can video me but don’t ever video my cows next time,” the herdsman said in the circulated clip.
In the approximately four-minute video, the driver defended his right to record, arguing that the city is a modern environment where cattle should be kept in ranches rather than roaming freely on major roads.
“This is a modern time. All over the world there is what they call ranch,” the driver stated, pointing out the disruption caused to motorists.
The herdsman pushed back, questioning the motive behind the recording and referencing security challenges, including bandits forcing herders into urban areas.
“Because of bandits… People are going back home,” he said during the exchange. He insisted he had no fear of being recorded himself but drew a firm line at filming the cattle.
“Don’t video my cows, you can video me not don’t ever video my cows next time”
– Heated confrontation between a driver and a Fulani herdsman moving cows along the expressway in Abuja Omoh where these guys get their audacity from ?😲💔🙆🏼♂️ pic.twitter.com/0ChBsxie2m
— Oyindamola🙄 (@dammiedammie35) May 28, 2026
For many years, Abuja’s roaming cattle have been a problem, with locals and drivers occasionally voicing concerns about safety and livestock movement on important roads.
Motorists and residents have regularly raised concerns about safety hazards and traffic disruptions on highways such as the Airport Road and Kubwa Expressway.
Wike also announced that the FCT Administration would commission projects for 31 consecutive days starting June 8 to mark President Bola Tinubu’s third year in office.
“To celebrate Mr President’s three years in office, the FCTA will commission projects for the next 31 days commencing June 8, 2026,” he said.
The minister noted ongoing infrastructure development across the territory, including road construction, water supply and housing for public officials.
“Our attention is not only on developing the city centres of Abuja. We are also working in all the area councils. We are providing infrastructure everywhere across the FCT,” Wike said.
Wike also insisted that the residents of Abuja could feel the impact of ongoing policies and projects under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
