Wike Orders Car Dealers Out of Abuja Parks and Green Spaces

(Nyesom Wike. Photo by TheCable)

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ordered an immediate halt to the use of parks, gardens and green spaces in Abuja as parking lots for car dealerships.

Wike expressed concern about recreational areas being converted into car sales sites.

He instructed relevant authorities to stop all unauthorised use of these spaces.

His Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, announced the directive in a statement issued on Wednesday.

The minister specifically mentioned the Millennium Park and other designated recreation areas being used as car lots.

A task force has been set up to ensure people follow the order.

Wike also directed an investigation into civil servants accused of illegally approving the use of green areas as car dealership sites.

Directors from the Departments of Parks and Recreation, Environmental Protection, Traffic Management and Urban Affairs have been called in by the FCT Head of Service, Nancy Nathan, for questioning.

The minister's directive is part of broader efforts by the Abuja administration to address flooding occurring in parts of the city.

The action follows heavy rainfall on Saturday that flooded several areas of Abuja, including Wuse 2, Durumi, Gaduwa, Gudu and Maitama districts.

Many roads were submerged, stranding motorists for hours and damaging vehicles.

Homes and businesses were also affected by the floodwater.

Earlier this week, the FCT administration began demolishing houses and structures built on natural waterways and designated flood channels across Abuja.

After inspecting flood-affected areas in Maitama, Wike ordered the immediate removal of all such structures.

Residents have blamed the severe flooding on indiscriminate construction along waterways and blocked drainage channels that prevent water from flowing properly.