The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration has moved to stop the use of designated parks, gardens and other green spaces in Abuja as car dealership lots.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike directed relevant government agencies to immediately enforce the ban, warning that areas reserved for recreation and environmental protection must not be converted for commercial activities.
The directive was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka.
Wike reportedly expressed concern over the growing use of recreational areas, including portions of spaces designated for parks and recreation around the Millennium Park, as car lots.
He ordered authorities to monitor such locations and ensure that any unauthorised commercial use is stopped.
The FCT Administration has consequently established a task force to enforce the directive and prevent further encroachment on designated green areas.
The minister also ordered an investigation into civil servants allegedly involved in issuing approvals for the conversion of protected green spaces into car dealership locations.
The move is part of broader measures being implemented by the FCT Administration following recent flooding in several parts of Abuja.
According to the administration, the unauthorised conversion of green areas could undermine the capital’s environmental and drainage systems, particularly as the city continues to experience periods of heavy rainfall.
The FCT Head of Service, Nancy Nathan, has summoned officials from the Departments of Parks and Recreation, Environmental Protection, Traffic Management and Urban Affairs to address the issue and ensure compliance with the minister’s directive.
The latest action comes shortly after the administration began demolishing structures allegedly constructed on designated waterways and natural flood channels across Abuja.
Wike had ordered the removal of buildings obstructing water channels following an inspection of flood-affected areas in Maitama District.
Recent heavy rainfall resulted in flooding across several parts of the capital, including Wuse 2, Durumi, Gaduwa and Gudu, disrupting traffic and affecting homes and businesses.
Several motorists were reportedly stranded on flooded roads, while some vehicles became immobilised and residential properties were affected by rising water levels.
The FCT Administration said the latest enforcement measures are intended to protect Abuja’s drainage infrastructure, preserve natural waterways and prevent the further loss of green and recreational spaces to unauthorised commercial development.
