Wike moves against FCT green areas used as car lots

Abimbola Joseph

The Federal Capital Territory Administration has ordered an immediate crackdown on the conversion of parks, gardens and other designated green areas in Abuja into car dealership lots.

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike issued the directive on Wednesday, expressing concern that spaces reserved for recreation and environmental protection were being converted for commercial activities.

According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and social media, Lere Olayinka, Wike directed the relevant authorities to identify and stop all unauthorised use of green areas as car lots.

The minister also ordered an investigation into civil servants allegedly involved in granting illegal approvals for the conversion of such spaces.

The statement said the directive formed part of measures to address recurring flooding in the Federal Capital Territory, while a task force had been established to enforce the order.

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, over the matter.

The latest directive comes amid renewed efforts by the FCT Administration to tackle flooding following a heavy downpour that inundated several parts of Abuja on Saturday.

Wike had earlier ordered the demolition of houses and other structures built on designated waterways and flood channels after inspecting flood-affected areas in Maitama District.

The flooding disrupted traffic, stranded motorists and affected homes and businesses in parts of the capital, including Wuse 2, Durumi, Gaduwa and Gudu.

The minister has attributed some of the flooding problems to developments along natural waterways and obstructions to drainage channels, prompting the administration to intensify enforcement against structures and activities considered to be contributing to the problem.