Wike Bans Use of FCT Parks, Green Areas as Car Dealership Lots
By Nafiu Muhammad Lema
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has directed the immediate suspension of the use of parks, gardens and other designated green areas in Abuja as car dealership outlets.
The directive was disclosed on Wednesday by Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, who said the measure was aimed at protecting the capital’s green spaces and reducing the risk of flooding.
Wike expressed concern over the conversion of recreational areas, including sections of the Millennium Park, for commercial purposes.
He ordered officials of the FCT Administration to intensify monitoring of green areas and ensure that unauthorised commercial activities are stopped.
The FCT Administration has also constituted a task force to enforce the directive and prevent further encroachment on parks and other designated green spaces.
Meanwhile, Wike ordered an investigation into allegations that some civil servants facilitated the illegal conversion of green areas into car dealership lots.
According to the statement, senior officials in the Parks and Recreation, Environmental Protection, Traffic Management and Urban Affairs departments have been summoned by the FCT Head of Service, Nancy Sabanti Nathan, as part of the investigation.
The probe is expected to determine how approvals were granted for the affected locations and identify officials responsible for any violations.
The FCT Administration said the move was part of broader efforts to preserve Abuja’s environment, protect recreational spaces and prevent activities that could worsen flooding in the nation’s capital.
