Wike Orders Probe Of FCT Officials Over Illegal Approvals For Car Lots

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ordered an investigation into civil servants allegedly responsible for granting illegal approvals for the use of green areas, parks, and gardens in Abuja as car dealership lots.

The affected officials, particularly Directors in 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, for investigation.

The directive followed Wike’s order for the immediate stoppage of the use of green areas, parks and gardens in the Federal Capital City as car dealership lots.

The FCT Administration disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka.

According to the statement, Wike directed the investigation of officials responsible for granting approvals that authorised the conversion of areas designated for parks and recreation to car lots.

The minister also ordered the establishment of a task force to enforce the directive and ensure that unauthorised use of such spaces does not continue.

Wike expressed concern over the use of areas designated for recreation, including parts of the Millennium Park and other green spaces, for commercial activities such as car dealerships.

He directed that all unauthorised uses of the designated areas be closely monitored to ensure compliance with the FCT Administration’s regulations.

The statement said the measures formed part of ongoing efforts by the FCT Administration to address flooding recently experienced in parts of the Federal Capital City.

The minister’s directive comes amid growing attention to the management of Abuja’s green areas and drainage infrastructure, with the administration seeking to prevent activities that could undermine the city’s environmental planning and flood-management efforts.

LEADERSHIP reports that parts of Abuja were inundated by floods last Saturday following a heavy downpour. In response, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike carried out extensive inspections of Maitama and other affected areas, declaring a zero-tolerance policy towards activities that obstruct drainage channels. He consequently ordered the immediate demolition of illegal structures impeding the free flow of water.

Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) also said it would review the 1979 Abuja Master Plan to ensure that the city’s infrastructure is better suited to its growing population and evolving climate realities.