Wike Orders Immediate Shutdown of Car Dealerships Operating on Abuja Green Areas

• FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has ordered the immediate closure of unauthorised car dealership lots operating on parks, gardens and other designated green areas across Abuja, as part of measures to tackle flooding in the capital.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has directed the immediate stoppage of the use of parks, gardens, green areas and other recreational spaces across Abuja as car dealership lots.

Wike issued the directive after expressing concern over the increasing conversion of areas designated for recreation and environmental protection into commercial spaces.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the minister specifically condemned the use of parks and recreational areas, including the Millennium Park, for car dealerships.

The statement said Wike had directed relevant authorities to closely monitor the affected areas and ensure that all unauthorised activities were brought to an end.

The directive, according to the FCT Administration, forms part of broader measures to address the flooding currently affecting several parts of the Federal Capital Territory.

A task force has consequently been established to enforce the order and ensure compliance.

Wike has also ordered an investigation into civil servants allegedly responsible for granting illegal approvals for the conversion of green areas into car dealership lots.

The officials under investigation reportedly include directors in the Departments of Parks and Recreation, Environmental Protection, Traffic Management and Urban Affairs. They have been summoned by the FCT Head of Service, Nancy Nathan.

The latest directive comes days after the FCT Administration commenced the demolition of houses and other structures allegedly built on designated waterways and flood channels across Abuja.

Following a heavy downpour that caused severe flooding in several parts of the capital, Wike had ordered the immediate demolition of structures obstructing natural waterways and flood channels.

Areas including Wuse 2, Durumi, Gaduwa and Gudu were among those affected by the flooding, with motorists stranded for hours and several homes and businesses impacted.

The minister’s latest move signals a broader crackdown on developments and activities that may be contributing to drainage obstruction and worsening flooding in the nation’s capital.