RismadarVoice Reporters, August 19, 2026
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ordered an immediate end to the use of parks, gardens and other designated green areas in Abuja as car dealership lots.
Wike issued the directive on Wednesday after expressing concern over the conversion of recreational spaces to commercial purposes.
According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the minister directed relevant authorities to identify and stop all unauthorised activities taking place in such areas.
The statement said Wike was particularly concerned about the conversion of parks, including areas around Millennium Park, into car dealerships.
The minister directed that the affected locations be monitored to ensure compliance with the order.
The FCT Administration said the measure was part of efforts to address flooding and improve environmental management across the capital.
A task force has consequently been established to enforce the directive and prevent further encroachment on green areas.
The minister also ordered an investigation into allegations that some civil servants approved the conversion of designated green areas into car dealership lots.
According to the statement, officials in the Departments of Parks and Recreation, Environmental Protection, Traffic Management and Urban Affairs have been summoned by the FCT Head of Service, Nancy Nathan, as part of the investigation.
The latest directive comes a day after the FCT Administration began demolishing houses and other structures built on designated waterways in Abuja.
Wike had ordered the immediate removal of structures obstructing natural waterways and flood channels across the territory after inspecting areas affected by recent flooding.
The decision followed heavy rainfall in Abuja that caused flooding in several parts of the city, disrupting traffic and affecting residential and commercial properties.
Areas including Wuse 2, Durumi, Gaduwa and Gudu were among those affected, with several motorists reportedly stranded on flooded roads.
Some vehicles developed faults while businesses were forced to close temporarily as floodwater overwhelmed roads and drainage systems.
Several houses in Maitama were also affected, with residents blaming indiscriminate construction along waterways and blocked drainage channels for worsening the flooding.
The FCT Administration said the enforcement measures were intended to protect waterways, preserve designated recreational spaces and reduce the risk of future flooding.
