Federal Government Shuts Down Abuja for World Economic Forum

Inveiw of the recent security challegnges facing the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja,  President Goodluck Jonathan has ordered a near-shutdown as the nation’s capital city hosts the World Economic Forum next week.

                                                                       Photo by Irene Becker - Source: Flickr

The president said the move is to reduce the flow of traffic into the city. The president ordered the closure of all government offices and schools in the capital. Jonathan also advised private companies with large staff or customer flow to close shop.

President Goodluck Jonathan gave the directive on Friday through the statement which was signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim. Read below:

“This is to inform the general public that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has approved, as part of arrangements for the successful hosting of the World Economic Forum Africa, that all Government Offices and Schools in the Federal Capital Territory, except those on essential services, are to be closed from Wednesday, 7th to Friday, 9th May, 2014. Private Organisations with large number of staff may also wish to close down.

“This is to ease the flow of traffic within the city and enable participants carry out their assigned roles and participate actively at the World Economic Forum Africa”,