Stories by: Ben Adoga, Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ordered the immediate removal of car dealerships operating on designated green areas, parks and gardens across Abuja, as part of a wider crackdown on activities blamed for worsening flooding in the nation’s capital.
Wike also ordered an investigation into officials allegedly responsible for granting approvals to convert protected green spaces to commercial use.
The directive followed growing concerns over the encroachment of public recreational and environmental spaces, including areas designated for parks and gardens. The minister said such spaces must be preserved for their intended purposes and not converted into commercial car lots.
A statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, said a task force had been constituted to enforce the directive and ensure compliance.
Wike also directed the FCT Head of Service, Nancy Sabanti Nathan, to summon relevant officials, particularly directors in the Parks and Recreation, Environmental Protection, Traffic Management and Urban Affairs departments.
The minister said the action was part of the administration’s measures to address flooding and restore proper urban planning in the capital.
He specifically questioned how approvals were granted for commercial activities on areas protected under the Abuja master plan.
“This morning, the Director of Development Control is being queried now for giving approval to car dealers to use green areas for the sale of cars,” Wike said.
“I’ve already stopped it, and I’ve set up a task force to make sure that every car dealer is moved out of the green areas.”
Wike warned that the enforcement would apply regardless of the individuals or businesses affected, stressing that those seeking to operate car dealerships should acquire or rent appropriate commercial premises.
The development comes amid intensified efforts by the FCT Administration to address flooding and the obstruction of waterways across Abuja.
The minister has also ordered the removal of structures allegedly blocking drainage channels, saying the exercise would continue across affected areas.
He said the administration would not allow activities that compromise waterways, public infrastructure and the safety of residents to continue under the guise of development or commercial activity.
