Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike on Wednesday has ordered an investigation into officials allegedly involved in granting illegal approvals for the use of green areas, parks and gardens as car dealership lots in Abuja.
Wike also directed the immediate stoppage of the use of areas designated for recreation and environmental purposes as car dealership lots and other unauthorised activities.
The Minister, who expressed concern over the conversion of green areas and parks, including parts of the Millennium Park and other designated recreational spaces, said such practices would no longer be tolerated by the FCT Administration.
He directed relevant authorities to closely monitor the affected areas and ensure strict compliance with the directive.
The move, according to the FCT Administration, is also part of measures to address flooding in parts of the Federal Capital City, particularly by protecting spaces originally designated for environmental and drainage purposes.
To enforce the directive, the FCT Administration has constituted a task force to identify and stop unauthorised activities in green areas, parks and gardens across the territory.
Wike further directed that civil servants suspected of issuing illegal approvals for the conversion of such areas into car dealership lots be investigated.
Among those affected are Directors in charge of Parks and Recreation, Environmental Protection, Traffic Management and Urban Affairs.
The affected officials have been summoned by the FCT Head of Service, Nancy Sabanti Nathan, to provide explanations on the approvals granted for the use of the designated areas.
The Minister warned that the FCT Administration would take necessary action against officials and individuals found to have violated planning and environmental regulations governing the capital city.
