Flood Crisis: Wike Cracks Down on Abuja Car Dealers, Probes Directors
ABUJA — Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has ordered an immediate ban on using Abuja’s green areas, parks, and gardens as commercial car dealership lots.
The directive aims to combat severe flooding across the capital city and crack down on internal corruption within the FCT Administration (FCTA).
Key Highlights
Under the new restrictions, authorities are to enforce immediate stoppage of car dealerships operating on lands meant for recreation and conservation. A newly formed Task Force has been mandated to monitor compliance and clear illegal lots.
Flooding Prompts Aggressive Land Reclamation
The minister expressed deep concern over the degradation of Abuja’s master plan. He specifically cited the misuse of premier recreational spaces, such as the Millennium Park, which have been illegally converted into commercial car marts.
Experts have consistently warned that stripping green spaces of vegetation and replacing them with paved surfaces prevents rainwater absorption. This is said to be partly responsible for the recent flash floods experienced in several parts of the Federal Capital City.
The newly established Task Force holds a strict mandate to evict violators, impound unauthorized vehicles, and restore the affected green zones to their original status.
Top Directors Summoned in Corruption Probe
In tandem with the physical cleanup, Minister Wike has initiated a sweeping investigation into the FCTA civil service. The probe targets officials who allegedly bypassed standard regulations to issue illegal permits to car dealers.
KlickNews gathered that those to be questioned include directors in charge of parks and recreation, environmental protection, traffic management, and urban affairs.
The administration warns that any civil servant found guilty of compromising Abuja’s environmental integrity for financial gain will face severe disciplinary action.
