FCT Halts Car Lots on Green Areas
Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has ordered an immediate halt to the use of designated green areas, parks and gardens across Abuja as car dealership lots, linking the move to efforts to restore recreational spaces and address recurring flooding in the capital.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the minister condemned the conversion of sites meant for parks and recreation – including areas near the Millennium Park, into commercial car lots. He directed that all unauthorised use of these spaces cease at once and be closely monitored for compliance. A dedicated task force has been constituted to enforce the order and reclaim the affected public land.
The directive by the FCT Administration is to manage flooding that has affected several parts of the city in recent days following heavy weekend rainfall. Streets, homes and vehicles were submerged in districts including Maitama, Wuse, Jabi, Katampe and Apo. Residents and observers have pointed to blocked waterways, construction on drainage channels and the loss of green spaces that once helped absorb rainwater as contributing factors.
Wike has also ordered an investigation into civil servants alleged to have granted illegal approvals for the commercial use of green areas. Directors in the Departments of Parks and Recreation, Environmental Protection, Traffic Management and Urban Affairs have been summoned by FCT Head of Service Nancy Sabanti Nathan to explain their roles. On Tuesday the minister inspected flood-hit areas in Maitama, highlighted structures built on revoked drainage plots, and ordered the demolition of buildings obstructing designated water channels and green spaces.
Abuja’s master plan designates green areas, parks and gardens for environmental protection, recreation and flood mitigation. Their progressive conversion for commercial purposes has long drawn criticism from urban planners and residents. Wike’s administration has previously emphasised reclaiming and upgrading public green spaces, including work at the City Gate area.
