Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ordered the immediate enforcement of a ban on the use of designated green areas, parks and gardens in Abuja as car dealership lots.
The directive comes amid renewed efforts by the FCT Administration to address flooding across the capital following heavy rainfall that recently affected several communities and disrupted movement.
Wike expressed concern over the conversion of recreational spaces into commercial car lots and directed relevant agencies to stop all unauthorised use of the areas.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the minister specifically cited areas designated for parks and recreation, including the Millennium Park.
“Minister, who decried the use of areas designated for parks and recreation like the Millennium Park and others as car lots, directed that all unauthorised use of such areas will be closely monitored to ensure compliance,” the statement said.
The FCT Administration has also established a task force to enforce the directive and prevent further unauthorised occupation of green areas.
The statement said Wike had ordered an investigation into civil servants allegedly involved in granting approvals for the conversion of designated green spaces into car dealership lots.
“This is part of the efforts of the FCT Administration to manage flooding being experienced in some parts of the Federal Capital City.
“Consequently, a Task Force has been set up to enforce this directive.
“Also, the minister has directed the investigation of some civil servants responsible for granting illegal approvals authorising the use green areas as car dealership lots,” the statement said.
Officials from the Departments of Parks and Recreation, Environmental Protection, Traffic Management and Urban Affairs have been summoned by the FCT Head of Service, Nancy Nathan, in connection with the directive.
The move follows the FCT Administration’s recent demolition of structures allegedly built on designated water channels across Abuja.
After inspecting flood-affected areas in Maitama District, Wike ordered the removal of structures constructed on natural waterways and flood channels within the territory.
The action followed heavy rainfall that caused flooding in parts of Abuja, including Wuse 2, Durumi, Gaduwa and Gudu, disrupting traffic and affecting homes and businesses.
Several motorists were stranded on flooded roads, while some vehicles reportedly broke down and residential properties were inundated.
The FCT Administration’s latest measures are aimed at protecting drainage and natural waterways while preserving designated recreational and green spaces in Abuja.
