Wike bans use of FCT green areas as car lots

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ordered an immediate halt to the use of green areas, parks, and gardens in Abuja as car dealership lots. Wike expressed concern over the conversion of designated recreational spaces into commercial car lots and directed relevant authorities to cease all unauthorized uses.

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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 directive specifically targets areas like the Millennium Park, emphasizing that all unauthorized uses of parks and recreation spaces will be closely monitored for compliance. This measure is part of the FCT Administration's broader efforts to manage and mitigate the flooding experienced in various parts of the capital city.

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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 established to enforce the minister's directive. Furthermore, Wike has ordered an investigation into civil servants allegedly responsible for granting illegal approvals for the use of green areas as car dealership lots. Officials, particularly directors 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.

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Consequently, a Task Force has been set up to enforce this directive.

This action follows recent demolitions of structures built on designated water channels in Abuja, ordered by Wike after inspecting flood-affected areas. The heavy downpour on Saturday had caused significant flooding, disrupting traffic, trapping motorists, and forcing businesses to close as water overwhelmed roads and drainage systems in districts like Wuse 2, Durumi, Gaduwa, and Gudu.

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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.