Wike Stops Abuja Green Areas Conversion to Car Lots

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has ordered an immediate cessation of the use of green areas, parks, and gardens in Abuja as car dealership lots. This directive follows concerns raised by stakeholders and aims to address recurring flooding in the city.

Wike specifically condemned the conversion of recreational areas, such as Millennium Park, into car lots and mandated that all unauthorized uses be monitored for compliance. The minister's statement, issued on Wednesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, also announced an investigation into civil servants allegedly involved in granting illegal approvals for these conversions.

A task force has been established to enforce this directive. Additionally, affected officials, particularly from the Departments of Parks and Recreation, Environmental Protection, Traffic Management, and Urban Affairs, have been summoned by the FCT Head of Service, Nancy Sabanti Nathan.

This initiative is part of broader efforts by the FCTA to manage flooding in various parts of the Federal Capital City.