Wike Bans Use of FCT Green Areas as Car Dealership Lots

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.

The directive is part of measures by the FCT Administration to address flooding in parts of the Federal Capital City and protect areas originally reserved for recreation and environmental purposes.

Wike expressed concern over the conversion of spaces designated as parks and gardens into commercial areas, including locations being used for displaying and selling vehicles.

The minister specifically pointed to areas reserved for recreation, including the Millennium Park, and directed officials to ensure that such spaces were not used for purposes outside their approved designation.

He ordered closer monitoring of green areas across the capital to identify and stop unauthorised activities. The administration is expected to enforce the directive against individuals and businesses found using the spaces as car lots without proper approval.

To ensure compliance, the minister has approved the establishment of a task force that will monitor the affected areas and enforce the ban.

The FCT Administration said the move was also linked to efforts to tackle flooding, as the conversion and development of open spaces can affect the natural movement and absorption of stormwater.

Wike also ordered an investigation into civil servants suspected of granting illegal approvals for the conversion of green areas into car dealership lots.

The investigation will focus on officials who may have authorised the commercial use of spaces that were originally designated for parks, recreation and environmental purposes.

The affected officials include directors responsible for Parks and Recreation, Environmental Protection, Traffic Management and Urban Affairs.

The officials have been summoned by the FCT Head of Service, Nancy Sabanti Nathan, as part of the process of investigating how the alleged illegal approvals were granted.

The minister’s latest directive comes as the FCT Administration intensifies efforts to address flooding and enforce the Abuja development plan.

The administration has also been taking steps against other forms of unauthorised development and activities capable of affecting drainage systems and the city’s environmental structure.

The task force is expected to begin enforcement as the FCT authorities move to restore green areas and other spaces to their approved uses.