of an Informal Market.”

However, despite the withdrawal, residents said construction resumed in July with the presence of some officials, deepening fears that the market could become operational.

In a petition addressed to the AMMC and the Department of Development Control, President of the Mabglobal Estate Homeowners Association, Pharmacist Fredrick Okonkwo, urged authorities to halt the project.

“We the residents of Mab Global Estate and neighboring estates wrote your respected office on January 26, 2026 to draw attention to a curious structural development on the green areas by the perimeter fence of our estate, which we believe put our estate at grave security risk.

“We are therefore surprised that M/S FASAHA & SONS GLOBAL SERVICES NIG LTD is making hurried efforts to develop market stalls displaying the same acknowledgement letter withdrawn by the FCDA due to security concerns and related issues,” the petition stated.

The residents said the three affected estates which opposed the plan to relocate displaced scrap dealers from Gwarimpa to the area had welcomed the council’s decision to withdraw the approval earlier this year.

The homeowners expressed the worry that the security concerns that informed their opposition to the market remain unresolved, warning that the location of the market near residential communities could expose them to grave safety risks.

With trading expected to begin on Sunday, residents have petitioned security agencies, the Police and the Department of State Services.

According to them, they are also making efforts to get intervention of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike who has made spirit efforts to rid the FCT of shanty areas including the affected location in Karasana, Gwarimpa.