The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ordered the immediate cessation of the use of green areas, parks and gardens across Abuja as car dealership lots.
The Punch reported that Wike issued the directive after expressing concern over the conversion of spaces originally designated for recreation and environmental purposes into commercial car lots.
He directed relevant FCT authorities to identify and stop all unauthorised activities taking place in such locations, while ensuring strict compliance with the directive.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the minister was particularly concerned about the conversion of recreational spaces, including parts of the Millennium Park, for vehicle sales.
“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 said the directive was part of measures aimed at tackling flooding in parts of the Federal Capital City, noting that the minister had also ordered an investigation into officials allegedly involved in granting illegal approvals for the use of green areas as car dealerships.
“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.
Olayinka further disclosed that officials connected to the matter, 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 latest directive comes a day after the FCTA began demolishing houses and other structures erected on designated waterways in Abuja.
Wike had ordered the immediate removal of structures built on natural waterways and flood channels across the FCT after inspecting areas affected by flooding in Maitama District.
The action followed heavy rainfall in Abuja on Saturday, which caused flooding in several parts of the capital, disrupted traffic, stranded motorists and forced some businesses to temporarily close.
Among the areas affected were Wuse 2, Durumi, Gaduwa and Gudu, while several motorists were left stranded on flooded roads.
Some vehicles reportedly broke down as a result of the flood, while homes and business premises were also affected.
Several houses in Maitama were also submerged, with residents blaming the flooding on construction along waterways and blocked drainage channels.
