The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ordered the immediate stoppage of the use of green areas, parks and gardens in Abuja as car dealership lots.
Wike gave the directive after expressing concern over the conversion of areas designated for recreation and environmental purposes into car lots.
According to a statement issued by the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the directive is part of measures by the FCT Administration to address flooding in parts of the territory.
The minister directed relevant authorities to closely monitor the affected areas and ensure that unauthorised use of parks and green spaces is stopped.
He also approved the establishment of a task force to enforce the directive and prevent further encroachment on designated green areas.
Wike further ordered an investigation into allegations that some civil servants had been granting illegal approvals for the use of green areas.
The statement said affected officials, particularly directors in the Departments of Parks and Recreation, Environmental Protection, Traffic Management and Urban Affairs, had been summoned by the FCT Head of Service, Nancy Nathan.
The minister’s directive is part of broader efforts by the FCT Administration to protect Abuja’s green spaces and improve environmental management, particularly amid concerns over flooding in the capital.
