The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ordered an immediate end to the use of green areas, parks and gardens in Abuja as car dealership lots.
Wike expressed concern over the conversion of recreational spaces for commercial purposes and directed relevant authorities to stop all unauthorised activities in the affected areas.
The directive was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka.
The minister specifically cited the use of areas designated for parks and recreation, including the Millennium Park, as car lots.
Olayinka said the directive was part of measures by the FCT Administration to address flooding in parts of the capital.
A task force has been established to enforce the directive and ensure compliance, he stated.
Wike also ordered an investigation into civil servants allegedly involved in granting illegal approvals for the conversion of green areas into car dealerships.
The officials, including directors in the Departments of Parks and Recreation, Environmental Protection, Traffic Management and Urban Affairs, have reportedly been summoned by the FCT Head of Service, Nancy Nathan.
The latest directive comes a day after Wike ordered the demolition of structures built on natural waterways and flood channels following heavy flooding in parts of the nation’s capital.
The flooding, which followed last Saturday’s heavy rainfall, affected several areas, including Wuse 2, Durumi, Gaduwa and Gudu, disrupting traffic and affecting homes and businesses.
