Wike Moves Against Car Dealers Operating on Abuja Green Areas

The Federal Capital Territory Administration has begun a fresh push to clear car dealers and other businesses from designated green areas in Abuja, following an order by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for their immediate removal.

The order is part of a wider effort by the FCT Administration to reclaim spaces meant for environmental protection and recreation, following renewed concerns over flooding in parts of Abuja. Wike specifically raised concerns about the conversion of parks, gardens and other designated green areas, including spaces around Millennium Park, into commercial car lots.

The minister has directed that car dealers operating in such locations be moved out immediately, insisting that anyone interested in running a car dealership should acquire or rent a properly designated commercial property instead of occupying public green spaces.

But the crackdown is not limited to the car dealers. Wike has also ordered an investigation into officials suspected of granting approvals that allowed businesses to operate on land not designated for commercial use.

Officials in departments connected to Parks and Recreation, Environmental Protection, Traffic Management, Urban Affairs and Development Control have come under scrutiny as the FCT Administration seeks to determine how the approvals were issued. The FCT Head of Service, Nancy Sabanti Nathan, has summoned affected officials as part of the investigation.

A task force has also been established to enforce the directive and ensure that the affected green areas, parks and gardens are no longer used as car dealership sites.

The decision comes as Abuja battles the effects of recent flooding, which has affected several parts of the capital and renewed debate over blocked drainage channels, illegal construction and violations of the Abuja Master Plan.

In recent days, the FCT Administration has also intensified the removal of structures built on waterways and flood channels, beginning with affected areas in Maitama. Wike has maintained that the enforcement exercise will extend to other parts of Abuja.

The latest directive therefore signals a broader move by the FCT Administration to restore areas it considers to have been wrongly converted from public and environmental use into private commercial spaces.

For the affected car dealers, Wike’s message is clear: Abuja’s green areas are no longer available for business.

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