Wike Orders Immediate Removal Of Car Dealers From Abuja Green Areas

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ordered the immediate removal of car dealers operating on designated green areas, parks and recreational spaces across Abuja.

Wike gave the directive on Wednesday during an inspection of ongoing projects in the nation’s capital, warning that the FCT Administration would no longer tolerate the conversion of spaces reserved for greenery and recreation into commercial car lots.

The minister also disclosed that the Director of Development Control was being queried over approvals allegedly issued to car dealers to operate on designated green areas.

He said the administration had constituted a task force to enforce the directive and ensure that all car dealers occupying green areas were removed.

Wike maintained that those wishing to operate car dealerships must acquire or rent properly designated premises and develop such locations for commercial purposes, rather than converting public spaces meant for recreation and environmental protection.

“If you want to sell your car, you go and purchase somewhere, or rent somewhere, and then develop it,” he said.

The minister warned that the enforcement would be applied without regard to the identity, influence or status of those affected.

“No, we will not accept that again. So, we are very serious, and I can tell you, we are not pulling back. It doesn’t matter who is affected,” he said.

The directive forms part of the FCT Administration’s wider efforts to enforce the Abuja Master Plan, restore designated public spaces and curb the unauthorised conversion of recreational and green areas to commercial uses.

The latest enforcement also comes amid renewed action by the FCT Administration against structures and activities considered to be undermining planned urban development and contributing to flooding in the capital.

Wike has repeatedly warned that government would reclaim public spaces and enforce development regulations to preserve Abuja’s planned character and protect infrastructure from indiscriminate development.