Wike Orders Car Dealers Out Of Abuja Green Areas

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has ordered car dealers to stop using Abuja green areas, parks and gardens as sales lots.

The order covers unauthorised car dealerships in public recreational spaces, including areas around Millennium Park, and comes after flooding disrupted parts of the Federal Capital City.

The FCT Administration said a task force will enforce the directive. Wike also ordered an investigation into officials accused of granting illegal approvals for the use of green areas as commercial car lots.

Daily Trust linked the order to the wider demolition of structures said to be blocking waterways after heavy rain affected Maitama Extension, Wuse 1, Wuse 2, Durumi, Gaduwa and Gudu. Punch reported that senior officials in parks, environmental, traffic and urban affairs departments had been summoned by the FCT Head of Service.

Wike said people who want to sell cars should buy land and develop it for that purpose, rather than taking over recreational areas. The FCT Administration says it wants to restore open spaces and reduce flood risk in the city.

Sources: Punch, Daily Trust, Daily Post