Wike Bans Car Dealerships on Abuja Green Areas Amid Flooding

Wike Bans Car Dealerships on Abuja Green Areas Amid Flooding
FCT stakeholders demand drainage desilting and review of Abuja Master Plan.
Reps spokesman blames residents for contributing to Abuja’s flooding.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ordered the immediate stoppage of the use of green areas, parks and gardens in Abuja as car dealership lots

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Wike issued the directive amid renewed concerns over flooding in parts of the nation’s capital, directing relevant authorities to stop all unauthorised use of recreational spaces.

According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the minister particularly condemned the conversion of areas designated for parks and recreation, including Millennium Park, into car lots.

“Minister, who decried the use of areas designated for parks and recreation like the Millennium Park and others as car lots, directed that all unauthorised use of such areas will be closely monitored to ensure compliance,” the statement said.

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

A task force has been established to enforce the directive, while affected officials, including directors in the Departments of Parks and Recreation, Environmental Protection, Traffic Management and Urban Affairs, have been summoned.

The directive followed recent flooding that affected several parts of Abuja. The FCT Administration had also commenced the demolition of structures built on designated waterways and flood channels.

The flooding disrupted traffic, stranded motorists and affected homes and businesses in areas including Wuse 2, Durumi, Gaduwa, Gudu and Maitama Extension.

Meanwhile, the FCT Stakeholders Forum for Development called for urgent action, including drainage desilting, enforcement against encroachment and a review of the 1979 Abuja Master Plan.

The forum’s chairman, Chief David Kente, said rapid urban expansion, blocked drainage systems and indiscriminate waste disposal were contributing to the flooding.

“The 1979 Master Plan is outdated. The document that guides development in the FCT no longer reflects the demographic and infrastructural realities of a capital city of over 3.5 million people. It requires urgent review and modernisation,” Kente said.

The forum nevertheless expressed confidence in Wike’s administration, citing ongoing infrastructure projects across the territory.

Deputy House of Representatives spokesman, Philip Agbese, also defended Wike, saying residents must take responsibility for activities contributing to flooding.

Agbese blamed indiscriminate waste disposal for worsening the problem and urged residents to stop dumping refuse in drainage channels and waterways.

Wike Bans Car Dealerships on Abuja Green Areas Amid Flooding

He said flooding should be treated as a shared responsibility as Abuja continues to experience population growth, construction and increased pressure on its drainage infrastructure.